Colleagues remember Dennis John

COLD SPRING, N.Y. (WIVB) - Close friends and colleagues are remembering Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John Tuesday night.

Sheriff Dennis John made a lot of friends over the span of his career in western New York law enforcement.

Seneca Gaming Corporation Chairman Cochise Redeye and Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard are remembering Dennis John as a man of integrity.

As State Police still investigate the circumstances surrounding his sudden death, both Redeye and Howard say it is never easy to cope with the loss of a close friend.

Redeye said, "Sad. He was a good man. I'm shocked. You never know what's going on in someone's personal life, but it's sad it happened to him."

Sheriff Howard said, "I had breakfast with him out of the flood zone; had dinner with him and his wife and they seemed to be in good spirits, very light conversation."

Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder issued a statement saying "Dennis John was committed to his profession as a law enforcement professional both for the nation and Cattaraugus County."