A long-time Lauderdale County deputy died in a traffic crash in Florence Tuesday afternoon.

Lauderdale County Sheriff Joe Hamilton said Deputy David Terry, the county’s director of corrections, was killed in a car crash that happened while he was off-duty.

A woman, whose name has not yet been released, also died from the crash, which happened on Florence Boulevard between Broadway Street and Darby Drive.

In a tribute online, Hamilton said Terry was a 26-year veteran of law enforcement. He is survived by his wife and three children.

“Deputy Terry had recently turned in his retirement paperwork and was set to retire in July,” Hamilton said. “Please keep Deputy Terry’s family, and the men and women who served alongside him for so many years, in your prayers.”

In April, Terry wrote on Facebook that he had served under four sheriffs and had worked as a corrections officer, sergeant, patrol deputy, transport deputy, investigator and in courthouse security. He said he would miss his “county family.”

“I feel that I have had a blessed career,” Terry wrote.

“I’ve worked with some of the best Deputies, Corrections Officers, and Municipal Officers in Alabama. I hope that my work has had a positive impact upon the citizens of Lauderdale County over these 26 years. I know I will miss being out there patrolling our roads, visiting our schools, working the sporting events, and assisting the people of our county….

“I hope that during my time in supervision that I was able to pass on some knowledge to the men and women that worked with me. I could sit here and write for hours about all the people that have impacted my career and my life. I wish all of our current employees a safe and enjoyable career and thank you all for the memories and friendships,” he wrote.