Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons announced he will not be seeking reelection, according to an announcement released on social media on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Fitzgibbons is the third sheriff in the region to do so in the past month, joining Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander, who is not seeking a fourth term and announced he will retire at the conclusion of his term and Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes, who will not be seeking a fifth term in 2026

Fitzgibbons made the following media post:

“After 26 years of service in law enforcement, including the honor of serving two terms as your Sheriff with the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election. I have been blessed to spend my entire law enforcement career serving the people of Otter Tail County, and I will continue to serve faithfully through the end of my term in January 2027.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside the finest professionals in public safety. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and extremely proud of the progress we have made together to provide the highest level of law enforcement to this county.

“To the dedicated and professional men and women of the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, Thank you for your service! Your commitment to public service, professionalism, and teamwork has been inspiring. Serving alongside you while upholding our core values of fairness, integrity, respect, and excellence has been a privilege. I am very proud of this organization.

“I also want to extend my sincere thanks to the people of Otter Tail County for your continued support over the years. Your confidence, cooperation, and partnership have been essential to the success of this office. That spirit of community is what makes working and living in Otter Tail County so special.

“I am especially grateful for the unwavering support of my wife and family throughout my career. Many times, they have had to make sacrifices due to the demands of the job. I am blessed with two adult daughters and two granddaughters that I am extremely proud of, and I look forward to spending more time with them in the years ahead.

“As I prepare to enter this next chapter, I plan on enjoying time with my family and appreciating the moments that matter most.

“Thank you again for the honor and privilege of serving.”

Respectfully, Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons