NEDERLAND — Brent Weaver dedicated his life to his community. The 52-year-old Nederland resident has been in the public eye since he was 18, serving his country and hometown.

Now, as a 12-year veteran of the Jefferson County Commissioners Court, Weaver announced Thursday he is not be seeking re-election in 2022, instead making the leap into retirement.

Weaver served in the United States Marine Corp. for four years before returning home to work for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy, aviation pilot, S.W.A.T. sergeant and public information officer. He also spent time on the Nederland School Board.

After leaving life on the ground, Weaver chose to swap his combat boots, bulletproof vest and handgun for polished black shoes, a suit and tie as he swore in as the Precinct 2 County Commissioner in 2008.

“(Deciding to retire), is something my wife and I have been discussing for sometime,” he said. “I had a medical event last August and that kind of reaffirmed our decision.”

Weaver suffered a major seizure. That event, entwined with his wife Cheryl’s retirement last year from Nederland ISD, solidified his decision to leave his courthouse chair empty after completing his fourth term.

Although he still has plans to continue community work, Weaver said it will be as just another citizen and not as a public official.

“I’m proud to have had this opportunity to serve as an elected official to the people of Mid-County,” he said. “It makes me proud that the citizens gave me an opportunity and chance to serve in this community. It is something I will always cherish.”

Weaver noted his biggest accomplishments as a county commissioner include drainage, road and bridge projects.

“I really have taken heart to our road and bridge aspects to our precinct by ensuring that we have the proper equipment and skilled craftsmanship to do the jobs right,” he said. “We’ve done over 70 miles of road and completed seven bridges.”

Emmett Hollier, a Nederland City Councilman and friend of Weaver, said he has nothing but respect for the work Weaver has done.

“Brent has just been a great service person,” Hollier said. “He’s dedicated his last three terms to that and he’s done an excellent job. He’s one of those folks that you look up to that has always given back. He doesn’t have a selfish bone in his body.

“He’s been a service-oriented person his whole life. From the position I hold on the council, we look up to people like Brent. I wish him and his wife great success and a beautiful journey in this next step. I’m honored to get to know him and call him a friend. When he leaves, it’s definitely going to be some mighty big shoes to fill.”

Weaver has one piece of advice for the person who will succeed him on court — perform selfless service.

“Put your citizens first,” he said. “Look out for their needs. I think back to all the storms and incidents, and how we all came together as a team to serve our community. So be there for the people that put you in office.”

After resigning, Weaver said he is looking forward to spending time with his family and becoming closer to his two children, Kade and Karlee.

“We have a daughter that is in the masters program at Lamar that will soon be graduating and starting her career,” he said. “Our son is in law enforcement in the Austin area. So this decision is something that we have been thinking about for a long time. We are going to recharge our batteries and see what the next chapter brings.”

Weaver will officially resign from his post in 2021 before stepping out of office in 2022. He will retire at the age of 54.