THOMASVILLE — A longtime, high-ranking lawman in the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office has resigned.

John Richards, a captain and chief of operations, presented Sheriff Carlton Powell with a letter of resignation Wednesday, effectively immediately.

The letter said Richards was leaving the agency “for personal reasons and to pursue employment in the private sector.”

Richards, 49, a Boston resident, began employment with Thomas County government in 1982 as operations officer at Thomas County Prison.

Two years later, he transferred to the sheriff’s office as a patrol officer. Within several months, he was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division.

On Friday, Richards released the following written statement to the Times-Enterprise:

“On Nov. 18, 2009, I tendered my resignation to Sheriff Powell. After serious prayer, thoughts and discussion with my wife, I’ve reached this conclusion. I’ve given the citizens of Thomas County my heart, my soul and my services for 28 years. It has been a great ride, but all good things come to an end. I love all the employees at the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and wish them well, and I’ll pray for their safety as they continue to serve the citizens of Thomas County. I am rich with memories and hope I’ve eased the pain and suffering for those I’ve served. I truly believe if I’m in need, the citizens of Thomas County will be there for me, as I was for them. God bless you all, good luck and be safe.”

Richards headed CID before doing a five-year stint in the Thomasville-Thomas County Drug Squad.

“I was moved back into investigations to run it,” Richards, discussing his law-enforcement career, said Friday.

In 1996, Richards was promoted to chief of operations. He left the agency in the fall of 1997 for 1 1/2 years and returned in 1999 to the same post.

When asked about Richards’ resignation, Powell said, “John has the ability to be successful at most any endeavor he chooses, and I and the staff at Thomas County Sheriff’s Office wish him well.”