WATKINS GLEN, NY (607NewsNow) – Schuyler County law enforcement is mourning the loss of one of its own.

On November 29, retired Sheriff Bill Yessman Jr. passed away.

Yessman began his 36-year career with the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office in 1985, spending time at the jail and 911 center before becoming a deputy sheriff in the road patrol division.

Yessman, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard before his career in law enforcement, worked his way up through the ranks over the years, and also spent time as a K-9 handler and STOP DWI coordinator. He was elected sheriff in 2006, a position he held until his retirement in 2021.

In a Facebook post, colleagues say Yessman will be remembered for his honor, dedication, leadership, professionalism, and the “profound impact he had on people around him.” He was 66.

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office adds they’ll share more information about service arrangements as it becomes available.