Mathews County Sheriff L. Mark Barrick has announced his retirement as of Dec. 31, 2023, citing a need to focus on his family and their health, as well as his own health, personal interests, and friends.

“I have other matters in my life that are very important to me and need my full attention,” he said. “Life is too short.”

Barrick began his law enforcement career as a Mathews County Sheriff’s deputy in 1982 at the age of 19. He said he had planned to be a funeral director and had worked at two funeral homes to gain experience before then-Mathews Sheriff Hugh Jordan called and offered him a job.

In 1986, he accepted a position as a patrol officer with the City of Newport News and worked there for the next 20 years, 10 years as a master patrol officer/master detective in the major crimes division. After a stint in burglary, he was appointed to the special victims unit, where he handled crimes against children. Although it was not a job he sought, he said he found it rewarding ...