The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the death of Deputy Chief Charles J. Buchannon.

Buchannon, who died unexpectedly Sunday, is being remembered as a leader who cared about the men and women of the sheriff’s office.

“Deputy Chief Buchannon was a truly kind soul who dedicated his life to his faith, his family, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and to the citizens of Jefferson County,’’ sheriff’s officials said in a Monday Facebook post announcing his death. “He will be sorely missed.  Rest easy Chief.”

Buchannon was a Vietnam veteran who joined the sheriff’s office on Sept. 28, 1980.

At the time of his death, Buchannon was the deputy chief over the department’s Corrections Division and Civil Division. He was also the Affirmative Action Officer.

During his career, Buchannon became certified as a Crime Prevention Specialist as well as a Law Enforcement Assessment Specialist. He was considered an expert in the investigation and identification of youth gangs, as well as an expert in the investigation and exploitation of child victims.

Buchannon was a past member of the Jefferson County, Bessemer Division Death Investigation Team and the Mobile Field Force, as well as an Honor Guard executive officer and commander.

During his more than 42 years with the sheriff’s office, Buchannon supervised every division in the sheriff’s office as he rose through the ranks.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.