The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the death of a veteran deputy.

According to their Facebook page, Captain Eddie Jennings died earlier this week.

“Affectionately known as Cap’n Eddie, he was a dedicated member of our staff who we had the pleasure of working with day in and day out,” said the post. “When someone says ‘they came with the building’, it is literally true in Captain Eddie’s case, as he worked for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for many, many years.”

Family members say Jennings died of a stroke.

Jennings served and protected the citizens of Hancock County under three different Sheriffs. He was most recently assigned to the patrol division.

“No one would say they haven’t been helped by Cap’n Eddie during their time with the agency,” the post reads. “Cap’n Eddie was one of the greats and is best known for being a genuinely kind person that never met a stranger, as he always took time to greet everyone with a smile on his face.”

Joshua Holland worked with Jennings for seven years.

“It’ll be somber not having him walk in every morning at 6am while gathering his paperwork. Who’s gunna tell me ‘tighten up’?” Holland posted on Facebook. “Rest Easy Captain Eddie. The world is a little less bright without you in it.”

“Rest In Peace Cpt Eddie Jennings. What an icon for Coastal Law Enforcement,” posted friend, Elfren Acosta.

Jennings was also the Southern Vice President of the Mississippi Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

“Our condolences to his family, friends and the colleagues that will all miss him dearly. Rest easy Cap’n Eddie.”