Holmes county residents have called Dennis Lee "Sheriff" for the last twelve years. But next week, Tim Brown becomes the county's first Republican sheriff since the Civil War.

News Channel Seven's Vanessa Nguyen gives us an inside look at the beginning and end of a chapter, for both men.

His office is filled with years of memories. Law enforcement has been a lifetime career for Dennis Lee. After next Monday, it will mark the end of three successful terms.

Outgoing Holmes Co. Sheriff, Dennis Lee tells News Channel Seven, “It's kind of sad. I've dedicated 12 years of my life to Holmes County and the citizens of Holmes County; I gave them everything I had."

Under his administration, the county has built a new jail and waged a war against meth. Lee says those are two of his biggest accomplishments as the county sheriff.

"You know I go from being the first name on a lawsuit, responsible for 48 employees, everything they do, 100 inmates, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to going back home to my wife and family...so I think my wife and family will enjoy the pressure being off and I think I will for a while too."

Inside the waiting room, his picture hangs on the wall next to several of the county's former sheriffs. Lee's name is even labeled on the building's front doors, but not for much longer.

"On January 6, 2009, Tim Brown will officially start his first day as the new sheriff of Holmes County, making him the first republican sheriff since the Civil War."

With more than two decades spent working in law enforcement, brown says it seemed like a natural progression for him to become sheriff. He worked under lee for six year and plans to continue the hard work he's put in for Holmes County.

Incoming Holmes Co. Sheriff, Tim Brown,” I believe I can do this county a good job with the experience I have. We're going to go to work fast, we want to get out there and show them we want to do the job for them."

As for Lee, it will be a bittersweet experience for him as he cleans out off the memories inside his office this week.

Sheriff Lee says he plans to stay in Holmes County after brown takes office. His next step is to take some time off with this family for vacation.