DELBARTON, W.Va. (AP) - Slain southern West Virginia Sheriff Eugene Crum was remembered Sunday for his warmth, kindness and dedication to tackling Mingo County's pervasive drug problems.
Hundreds of mourners, including nearly 400 law enforcement officers from several states, packed Mingo Central High School for Crum's funeral.
The 59-year-old sheriff was shot to death Wednesday, a little more than three months after taking office.
"We ask all the time where have all the heroes gone?" Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury said during his eulogy. "Let me tell you, sometimes we walk in their midst and we don't know we got them. He was mine."
Although Prosecutor Michael Sparks has said there's no substantial evidence that Crum's death was drug related, Thornsbury said Crum had received threats due to his job.
"He was aware he was being persecuted by some, but the saving grace was that he knew he was loved by many."
Thornsbury recalled the day he went looking for Crum more than a decade ago when the judge needed to find a chief magistrate.