A member of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department family passed away unexpectedly last week.

Sgt. Cathy Etheredge, 60, died at her home in Gaston last Monday. Etheredge joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2003. She most recently served as a sergeant in the Professional Standards Division.

“Cathy’s sudden passing is a tremendous loss to those who knew her and our department,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “She brought a maternal and folksy style to her role that allowed her to connect with her fellow deputies on a personal level. She was passionate about enhancing the relationships between deputies and those we serve.”

Etheredge joined the Sheriff’s Department as a patrol deputy. She also worked as a school resource officer, victim assistance officer and investigator.

Etheredge also served with the Cayce Department of Public Safety, the Lexington County Department of Public Safety and the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office during a law enforcement career that spanned more than four decades.