BATH COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A longtime member of several Bath County law enforcement agencies died over the weekend.

Wes Everman has served in the police department, fire department, and most recently as deputy chief of the sheriff’s office during his decades-long career.

“I loved him to death and I know he loved me,” said his cousin Jimmy Everman. “I would do anything in the world for him and he would do anything for me.”

A memorial to Everman with a sheriff’s vehicle is on display outside the Owingsville funeral home.

Ellen Ice / LEX18

“He wasn’t the type of cop that would take you to jail just because he could, all these young kids respected him,” Everman said. “If he could save one, that was his mission, and you don’t know, put him in jail.”

Everman was the father of three children and had grandchildren. A procession passed through Owingsville on Sunday.

The sheriff’s office says Everman was called to a burglary Saturday morning. Hours later, after returning home, his cousin said Everman had died of an apparent heart attack.

“He loved the community and the people,” Everman said. “They’re really going to miss him.”

Deputy Chief Everman will be buried Thursday in Bath County. The school district canceled classes because his funeral will be held at the county high school auditorium. It’s open to the public.