Hancock County Sheriff Steve Garber says he will not seek re-election in 2011.

Garber said he’s announcing his decision early so potential candidates could make their plans. The qualifying deadline is March 1.

The 46-year-old Garber has spent the past 30 years in public service. He began volunteering with the Waveland Fire Department at age 17, and he started at the sheriff’s department at age 19.

He was elected sheriff in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007.

As far as life after being sheriff, Garber says he wants to continue his hobby of training horses.