Albers 'riding off into sunset'

A flurry of campaign activity this week surrounding the Goodhue County sheriff's job was topped Friday with the biggest announcement of all: Dean Albers will not seek re-election.

Albers, who has spent the last 12 years as sheriff, said he decided last week that he would retire after his term is up this year.

He said the decision came after long talks with his wife, who fended off breast cancer after a battling it for more than a year. That situation - and the addition of a grandchild - provided perspective, Albers said.

"I don't need to miss this stuff anymore," the 54-year-old said. "Life's too short and too precious."

He said he notified staff and County Board members this week of the decision.

While Albers steps aside, at least two candidates will challenge for the job. Goodhue County Chief Deputy Scott McNurlin and Red Wing police Sgt. Marty Kelly both announced their candidacy this week.

Albers said he is supporting McNurlin in the race.

A 36-year veteran of the department, Albers served 12 years as chief deputy before first being elected sheriff in 1998.

The decision to retire from the department caps more than two months of pondering the future, Albers said. He would get "pumped up" to run, only to become cool to the idea shortly after.

"If I can't put my 100 percent behind it, I'm not going to do it," Albers said.

He said he's not sure yet what the future holds, but was confident he will remain in the work force.

"I'll have to sit back and think about it," he said.

Albers named the citizens' academy, neighborhood watch and a traffic diversion program as department accomplishments made on his watch. He said he sees it as "going out on top."

"I'm riding off into the sunset like a good old sheriff," he said.

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