(CENTREVILLE) – After 40 years, Brad Balk is enjoying not having to be at the office by a certain time each morning.

Balk retired January 31 after serving 11 years as St. Joseph County Sheriff. During a visit to the WBET Morning Show, Balk says he started thinking about retiring in the Summer of 2019. Part of that meant getting his staff ready to take on more responsibility. LINKC.

Balk, who worked for the Sheriff's Department for 40 years, got a good understanding of the position as a child, when his father Neuman Balk, served as St. Joseph County Sheriff. LINKD.

Balk says he plans on using his retirement time to travel with his wife, visit his children and grandchildren and others that he hasn't had time to see over the years.