GRANT COUNTY — The Grant County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday evening Jon Melvin, a sheriff’s deputy with more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, died in his home.

The 60-year-old deputy, who had expected to retire in the coming months, was hired by the GCSO in May 1984 and served most of his career with the agency, according to the sheriff’s office.

In addition to patrol, Deputy Melvin served in a wide range of special assignments including the Off-Road Vehicle Unit, the Search and Rescue Unit, the Marine Unit, as a School Resource Officer at the Wahluke School District, and as the community deputy for Desert Aire, according to the sheriff’s office.

Melvin was found dead inside his home Friday by fellow deputies who checked on his welfare, after family members were unable to reach him, the sheriff’s office wrote in a social media post. His cause of death was not yet determined.

“Deputy Melvin was a well-rounded, highly skilled deputy whose intelligence was outweighed only by his compassion and willingness to always help others,” Sheriff Tom Jones said in a statement. “Jon will be deeply missed.”

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office will be assisting Melvin’s family with arrangements, according to the statement. Any public ceremonies will be held at a later time.

Melvin’s remains are in the care of Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison, according to the statement.