"Great personality, very approachable, very low key, even keeled, great work ethic," Jackson Police Chief Matt Heins said describing his former officer.
Because of who he was, Chief Heins told Fox News 47 he isn't surprised Trooper Chad Dermyer died in the line of duty.
Thursday, the Virginia Trooper was shot by James Brown inside a Greyhound Bus Station following a training exercise.
"He was aggressive from the standpoint he didn't like to be idle. He liked to stay busy and so, when you get employees like that, they're always getting into things. And you know, I wasn't surprised from the aspect of he was staying busy when this happened," Chief Heins explained.
The 37-year-old ex-marine served as a patrol officer for the Jackson Police Department from 2008 until 2011 when he was laid off because of budget cuts.
Soon after, he and his family moved to Virginia to be close to his wife's family.
"He was a great hire, great employee. He's one of those types of employees you really look for and grab a hold of and hope that nobody will steal him away from you," Chief Heins said.
Before he became an officer, Trooper Dermyer attended Columbia Central High School where he spent most of his years on the soccer field under Coach Mike Dickens.
"He was always happy, he had a big smile, he worked hard. His effort in the classroom was outstanding and as a soccer player he always worked really hard as well," Dickens explained.
He said Trooper Dermyer was unforgettable.
"He was a giver. I'm not surprised he ended up as a police officer because he worked hard and he wanted to help people," Coach Dickens said. "And, it's just shocking that that's the way he had to go out and it's a shame."
But, with flags at half staff, people in the town will remember Trooper Dermyer as a hero who wasn't afraid to step up.
Trooper Dermyer leaves behind a wife and two kids.
Chief Heins told us the Department is offering counseling for officers who may need it.
The Department already had a breakfast fundraiser planned for next week to honor Officer Jim Bonneau who was shot and killed on the job in 2010.
Chief Heins says Trooper Dermyer will also be included.
