TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. (WHKY) — A longtime member of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office has retired after 30 years of service.

Major Mark St. Clair was honored during a retirement reception September 25, according to a county news release.

St. Clair began his law enforcement career with the sheriff’s office in April 1996 as a part-time deputy and moved into a full-time position later that year.

He was promoted to sergeant in September 2001, became a detective in January 2004 and advanced to detective lieutenant in July 2013.

He was promoted to major in November 2020.

During the reception, Alexander County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Josh Lail and Commissioner Ronnie Reese presented St. Clair with an engraved keepsake box recognizing his three decades of service.

Sheriff Chad Pennell also presented St. Clair with his service weapon and badge in a specially engraved presentation box.

Lail thanked St. Clair for his dedication to Alexander County and said his contributions had made a lasting impact on the sheriff’s office.

St. Clair said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the county, work alongside fellow officers and build friendships throughout his career.

“Alexander County has always been home, and I’m proud to have spent my career serving the people who live here,” St. Clair said.