Bradley County Chief Deputy Sheriff Wayne Bird died early Friday morning.
Sheriff Jim Ruth said, "It is with deep sadness that I announce this morning that Chief Deputy Wayne Bird passed away early this morning.
"His loving and devoted wife Colleen and his daughter Tish, sons Sterling and Richard, were at his bedside when he passed away.
"Chief Bird will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Needless to say he will also be missed by the men and women of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.
"He brought a great deal of experience and expertise to the sheriff’s office. We in Bradley County owe a great deal of gratitude to him for the professional and moral leadership that he brought to his position of chief deputy.
"We offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife Colleen and to his entire family during this time of sorrow.
"Funeral arrangements are pending at this time."