The Montgomery County Republican Committee issued the following statement on the passing of Montgomery County Sheriff John Durante on Feb. 10, 2010:

"John was a person dedicated to public service, his family, friends and Montgomery County," said MCRC Chairman Bob Kerns. "He will be deeply missed as a friend and member of our Montgomery County GOP family. Our sympathy goes to his loved ones during this time of grief."

John was Montgomery County Sheriff for the past 10 years after serving as a Montgomery County detective for 28 years.

"John helped put away many of the county's worst criminals and did so without fanfare or desire for recognition. It was an honor to run for office with John in 1999 along side our other DA's Office colleague Mike Marino, and to have served in elective office with him for 10 years," Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor said. "He brought stature to the Sheriff's Department and had the respect of his peers and many friends. Above all, John had a heart of gold. We will miss him."

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Check out the Facebook memorial page here