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As Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday that state Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeff Sandy is planning to retire, he made it clear Sandy was a valuable enough leader that he was welcome to stay a while longer.
"I absolutely want everyone to know if Jeff Sandy wants to stay and everything, he's welcome to stay here until my term is up," Justice said. "He has done a great, great, great job."
That kind of respect does not come unearned.
Justice called Sandy "an honorable man who's helped my administration in countless ways," and one who will be missed because of his tireless work ethic. The seven years in which Sandy has served West Virginians in Charleston have been eventful to say the least.
Though there have been hiccups along the way, as there would have been for anyone in his position, Sandy oversaw the reorganization of the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety as the Department of Homeland Security -- just as the COVID-19 pandemic was tightening its grip on our state. He was in charge of consolidating jails, prisons and juvenile centers into one administrative unit as well.
In fact, in his retirement letter, Sandy said "I leave knowing we made a difference."
That difference led to more than just accolades upon retirement. Sandy also received a Distinguished West Virginian award Wednesday.
As we look forward to Mark Sorsaia's success in leading DHS, we join the governor in thanking Sandy for his years of service; and we offer him congratulations on retirement from a job well done.