Mathews County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Bowen has announced this week that he will be retiring as of Dec. 31 and is not seeking reelection.

“My wife’s retired and it’s time for me to step down so we can do more things together,” said Bowen, who turns 72 this year.He said he feels very fortunate to have served as Mathews County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney for the past 12 years.

“Each day I go to work to seek truth and justice and to fight for crime victims and their rights,” he said in a letter to the Gazette-Journal editor. “What could be more fulfilling?”

In an interview, he said he was glad he had served alongside Sheriff Mark Barrick, since the two positions have to “work hand in hand.” Barrick announced his pending retirement last week.

“He’s been a very good sheriff,” said Bowen. “I’m grateful to him for everything he did.”

Bowen said he is proud and grateful for several things that have occurred during his tenure. He said his “knowledgeable, professional, and har...