Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher and Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, who both leave office at the end of the year after serving four terms on the job, were honored today by the Ramsey County Board.

Fletcher was first elected sheriff in 1994 but lost in November to St. Paul Police Commander Matt Bostrom. Gaertner did not seek re-election; she had been an early candidate for governor last year but dropped out after the DFL convention. John Choi was elected county attorney in November.

Gaertner, the first woman to serve as Ramsey County attorney, was cited for her pioneering use of DNA evidence and for setting up domestic abuse programs.

Fletcher came to the sheriff’s job from the St. Paul Police Department; he’s also been a St. Paul City Council member. As sheriff, he was noted for attacking meth use and production and for working with immigrant communities.

When the board declared today “Bob Fletcher Day,” Fletcher noted that it’s the shortest day of the year.