King County Sheriff Sue Rahr announced Wednesday she will retire as sheriff on March 31 to assume the job of director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC).

Rahr has been sheriff for seven years; her second term expires at the end of the year.

She said she decided to leave early for a number of reasons.

“First, and foremost, I have complete confidence in Chief Deputy Steve Strachan and the rest of the command staff to effectively lead the Sheriff’s Office and continue to protect and serve the citizens of King County,” she said in a statement.

Also, she said, the chance to lead the commission is a “rare and unexpected opportunity.”