The Madera County man whose public service spanned three states and four decades, eventually landing him as the county’s administrative officer, says he’s ready to retire.

Jay Varney’s last official day will be Sept. 19, he told GV Wire on Friday.

After going from Chowchilla police chief to Madera County Sheriff to CAO, Varney says it’s time to live life “at a slower pace.”

His work saw Madera County through the pandemic and helped build the Sheriff’s Foundation, securing resources for first responders in all parts of the county.

The county will do a nationwide search for to fill the position.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve the citizens of Madera County, both as the twice-elected sheriff and then also as CAO,” Varney said. “I think we have a great county here.”

Varney Helped County Navigate Budgets, Disasters: Gonzalez

Varney’s time in local government service began in Michigan, where he started reclaiming public land — more specifically mines.

It was there that he saw public sector work could have a positive impact.

“”It really felt like you were doing something meaningful,” Varney said.

An economic downturn sent him to Dallas, where he began his first foray in law enforcement.

That career eventually took him back to Michigan and by 2004 — through a connection at Hume Lake Christian Camp —  to Chowchilla as police chief.

“I was both the police chief and the city administrator. For various reasons the administrative position was open — one was during the whole economic downturn, and I think it was mostly a cost- savings measure at that point,” Varney said.

He also oversaw Madera County’s continuing expansion along Highway 41 with the Riverstone and Tesoro Viejo developments.

Varney stepped into the county administrative role right as COVID upturned local governments. Supervisor Chair Leticia Gonzalez said he navigated the county through difficult times.

“CAO Varney stepped into leadership during one of the most challenging times in our county’s history, guiding us through COVID, difficult budgets, and multiple disasters with integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication,” she said. “His leadership was marked by trust, fairness, and a true commitment to the people he served.”

Varney’s Law Enforcement Passion Helped Save Lives, Train K9s

Varney helped establish the Sheriff’s Foundation, which has raised more than $500,000 and secured vital search-and-rescue equipment over nine years. It’s also raised $25,000 in scholarships.

Through connections with the federal 1033 Program, the Sheriff’s Foundation helped acquire the county’s Cessna 172 aircraft, giving law enforcement a better view of the expansive area, which extends from Chowchilla in the west to the eastern top of the Sierra Nevada.

The “screamer seats” first responders can attach to helicopters also came from the Sheriff’s Foundation. For one hiker who got stranded on a high peak, that seat quite possibly meant a life saved, Varney said.

“They’re the ones where the person actually sits in it,” Varney said. “It gets the name the ‘screamer seat’ because if you’ve never hung off a helicopter, it can be freaky.”

Another donation got a replacement rope truck containing repelling equipment for high peaks.

The foundation helped build out the county’s K9 unit. A significant donation from a local citizen enabled law enforcement to purchase and train the first two dogs, both of which are retired now.

Police and sheriffs used to be able to keep a trainer on staff, but expenses made it unfeasible for many agencies.

“Every dog on the road right now has been provided by funding from the Sheriff’s Foundation through members of the community, so that’s pretty impressive,” Varney said.

Retirement Means Time to ‘Smell the Roses’

Varney said the first few months will be time for him to decompress and figure out exactly what he wants to do. He doesn’t see himself completely leaving public life, only to “go out and fish and golf everyday.”

He and his wife, Amy, have a son and a daughter.

“Next week, it’ll be 42 years in a row for local government somewhere,” Varney said. “I figure maybe it’s time to go out and smell the roses, so to speak.”