He is one of the longest-serving sheriffs in Texas. But soon, Collin County Sheriff Terry Box will turn in his badge for good.
"It's just unbelievable to think back on when it all began," he said.
Box was born and raised in McKinney. He was a McKinney police dispatcher, then worked for the Plano Police Department before joining the sheriff's office in 1981.
"It wasn't my mission at all to become sheriff," he said.
In fact, the offer only came after two of his superiors died, including the sheriff at the time.
"It was really hard. Hard to lose those two people that you respected and thought a lot of," Box said.
Box took office in 1985.
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He lists his biggest accomplishments as not having a single line-of-duty death during his tenure and building a jail big enough to handle Collin County's growth.
When the jail opened in 1994, there were enough beds for 536 inmates. Since then, it has grown right along with the county. Today, it can hold about 1,250 inmates.
"Planning for a long-range plan to build a detention facility that'll hold inmates in Collin County for 50 years is, I think, a pretty good accomplishment, goal to make it work," Box said.
As for why they sheriff is retiring now, he says he felt it was time.
It comes at a time when violence against law enforcement is on the rise.
"What's happening now in our society against law enforcement, it probably had a little bit or more great deal of why I'm retiring today for," he said.
Retirement will mean more time with wife of 47 years and his '55 Chevy.
"That's my plan," he said in his office, surrounded by photos and a room full of awards.
It's a plan that caps off a distinguished career as Collin County's top cop and a lifetime of lessons you won't find on any wall.
"Treat people the right way they want to be treated and you'll have a long, fruitful career in law enforcement, because I think I have," he said.
During the past 25 years, Box says he's raised about $2.2 million for charity during his annual golf tournament.
The new sheriff, Jim Skinner, takes over at the start of the new year.