File photo Hillsborough County Sheriff James Hardy

GOFFSTOWN – James Hardy, a career law-enforcement officer who got his start as a patrolman in his hometown of Pelham, joined the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Department in 1981 and rose through the ranks to become county sheriff, has announced he will not seek another term come the November elections.

“I just feel like it’s time … I’ve had a good run,” Hardy told The Telegraph. “I’ve been very fortunate to have served for nine terms.”

The decision to step down caps a 40-year law enforcement career for Hardy, who will turn 62 in April. “Serving the citizens of Hillsborough County as sheriff for almost 18 years” has been “an honor and privilege,” he added.

As for his successor, Hardy said he is supporting former chief deputy sheriff Chris Connelly, a veteran law-enforcement officer with who worked for the Goffstown Police Department and served as the chief of the Dunbarton department over the course of his 30-year career.

Connelly also worked for former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Republican of Nashua.

Hardy praised Connelly as “loyal, honest and trustworthy,” and called him “an active listener” who is “empathetic to folks having problems in their lives.

“Chris has all the personal character traits to be successful as county sheriff,” Hardy added.

As for his own career, Hardy credited those around him, from dispatchers and clerks to his deputies, for supporting him throughout his career.

“The deputies do a phenominal job. I’ve always been grateful for that,” Hardy said. “And I do want to say I’ve been very fortunate to have the staff I had as I came up through the ranks.”

A graduate of the 42nd New Hampshire Police Academy, Hardy was initially hired by Pelham police in 1977 as a dispatcher, then became a dispatcher/patrolman before being named full-time patrolman in 1980.

He left Pelham about a year later, when he joined the sheriff’s office.

Hardy said he hasn’t yet given any thought to post-retirement pursuits.

“I still have to finish out my term,” he said.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.