BUCKHANNON — A longtime Upshur County law enforcement officer passed away suddenly this week.

The Upshur County Commission announced Tuesday morning that Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller had died.

“The Upshur County Sheriff’s Department and other county offices are saddened to announce the sudden passing of Upshur County Sheriff Virgil D. Miller,” a statement from the county said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and his brothers and sisters in law enforcement.”

Miller was serving his third stint as Upshur County Sheriff after being elected by county voters in 2020. He had previously served two eight-year posts as sheriff during a career in law enforcement that stretched back four decades.

Miller’s career began in Webster County, and he came to Upshur County in 1980, according to a previous My Buckhannon story. In addition to his role as sheriff, he served the county as a chief deputy, magistrate and chief of the Buckhannon Police Department.

Over the years, Miller became a familiar face to many. He led by example, often responding to calls and assisting other officers.

“I really want to see the deputies out in the community,” Miller told My Buckhannon after being elected in 2020. “I’ve always been the kind of sheriff to get out there in the community, and I’m going to be going out with the deputies, because I wouldn’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t. I believe in leading by example, by being there.”

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, the county said in their statement Tuesday morning.

“Viewing and funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time,” according to the release. “Daily operations of the Sheriff’s Department and Tax Office will continue, and the Office of the Upshur County Commission will release additional details in the coming days.”

This breaking news story will be updated as additional information becomes available.