Just one week after going head to head against his boss for a chance to become Buchanan County sheriff, Brian Carter called it quits.

The former evening shift supervisor in the corrections department has worked for the Sheriff’s Department since 2000. He now plans to leave law enforcement behind after he turned in a letter of resignation on Wednesday.

“I decided it would be in my best interests to pursue another career path,” Mr. Carter said.

The Republican ran in the Aug. 5 primary and lost to fellow challenger Galen Higdon, who will face incumbent Sheriff Mike Strong. Mr. Carter targeted budget concerns as an important campaign issue.

Mr. Carter also was the center of controversy following a pursuit in March that led to disciplinary actions being taken against him. Mr. Carter was moved from the patrol division to corrections three months after the incident.

Mr. Carter now plans to fully devote himself to his construction business he previously worked for part time as well as work with some real estate opportunities.

“I have been working nights for a few years now, and I’m ready for a day job,” Mr. Carter said.

Mr. Strong says Mr. Carter’s decision was not unexpected.

“Before the election, he had indicated he would want to pursue his side interests if things didn’t work out,” Mr. Strong said.

With no hard feelings about the situation, Mr. Strong said Mr. Carter left on good terms.

“Any time we lose anyone with his experience and training, it doesn’t help the department,” Mr. Strong said.

Mr. Carter has no intentions of leaving the St. Joseph area any time soon.

“I think he just wants to put it behind him and go forward,” Mr. Strong said. “It was stressful for everyone and still is.”

Mr. Strong defeated fellow Democrat Ron Fisher in the primary. Mr. Fisher said he plans on remaining in his position as a deputy serving as a court marshal at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Megan Tilk can be reached at megantilk@npgco.com.