Franklin County Sheriff Dennis Pike, 74, who retired Friday, wanted to continue contributing, but in November lost his bid for a fourth term as sheriff.

FARMINGTON, Maine (AP) _ One of Maine's longest serving law enforcement officers has retired after 46 years in a police uniform.

Franklin County Sheriff Dennis Pike retired Friday.

Pike is 74 and wanted to continue contributing, but in November lost his bid for a fourth term as sheriff.

Still, Pike tells the Morning Sentinel he has been blessed.

He says all he ever wanted to do with his life was be a police officer.

After six years in the U.S. Army Reserve, Pike started his career as an officer in Farmington, worked part time as a sheriff's deputy, and was eventually elected sheriff.

He says his greatest professional accomplishments include boosting deputy training, starting the dog unit, bringing anti-drug messages into local schools and working with Canadian authorities for tighter border control after 9/11.