After 11 years of service on the Troy City Council, Charlie “Sarge” Dunn Sr. said Thursday he would not seek re-election.

“It has been a blessing as well as an honor to have had the opportunity to serve the citizens of District 1 as well as the City of Troy,” said Dunn.

The military veteran and leaders of the Charlie’s Angels volunteer group said the decision not to seek re-election was a difficult one.

“I’m a servant,” he said. “I served my country for 22 years through two wars and I love to help people. That’s what I’m all about …

“But I just think it’s time to step aside.”

Dunn said his decision was prompted in part by the urging of his wife of 44 years, Eunice, and their five children. “It’s time to listen to my wife and children and pass the torch,” he said, adding that it was a difficult choice to make.

“I am truly thankful to all the city employees who have supported me in such a professional way over the 11 plus years,” he said. “And I just want to say thank you to all the people who have allowed me to serve the great city of Troy.”

Jason Reeves served eight years alongside Dunn on the council before he was elected mayor in 2012. On Thursday, he said Dunn has been a valuable member of the council who set an example for others seeking public office.

“Mr. Dunn has been a tremendous public servant,” the mayor said. “He is a great patriot who loves his community and has done so much for Troy and its citizens. What a pleasure it has been to work with him over the last 12 years.

“As he is the longest serving African American male to serve on Troy’s City Council he is a historic figure in our community and a man of integrity and dignity that everyone can look up to. I treasure his friendship and will miss him as will the constituents he so faithfully served.”

Dunn was first elected to the council in 2004, defeating incumbent Jose Henderson. “I ran in 2000, but I wasn’t elected the first time,” he said.

He said he was encouraged and influenced in part by “an old fellow named Jimmy Lunsford, a man I admired and respected.” Lunsford served as mayor for more than 30 years before he decided not to seek re-election in 2012.

Dunn is the second incumbent to who has said he will not seek re-election. Longtime council president and District 4 Councilman Johnny Witherington announced in February that he would not run again this July. He has served nearly 32 years on the city council.

Other incumbents include Greg Meeks, District 2; Marcus Paramore, District 3; and Dejerilyn King Henderson, District 5. Municipal elections will be held in August.