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By JEFF CLARK
Staff Writer
As local communities mourn the loss of diver David Sheffield, friends and colleagues are paying tribute to his life and memory.
The 44-year old Dorsey resident died Wednesday while aiding in the recovery effort for the body of Smithville teen Taylor Smith. Smith drowned May 15 while swimming in the Buttahatchie River.
Sheffield was the owner of ACOR Bonding in Tupelo and he worked for the Itawamba County Sheriff's Department from 1999 until 2003 when he took a job with the Lee County Sheriff's Department.
"He was very dedicated to his job," Leon Hayes said. "He was one of those who never questioned what needed to be done to get the job done. David was one of those who, if someone needed him, even off duty, he helped. He didn't try to shove anything off on anyone else. When he was on duty, I knew things were going to be taken care of. This is very, very tragic. I'm extremely sympathetic to his family. He wasn't just an officer, he was also a close, personal friend. His loss is very sad. He was a good person."
Itawamba County Sheriff Chris Dickinson said he will remember Sheffield for his sense of humor.
"He was very colorful," Dickinson said. "He liked to tell tales. He always seemed to be a hard worker. He was a funny guy."
Monroe County Sheriff Andy Hood said Sheffield gave his life trying to help his community.
amp"amp"The Monroe County Sheriff's Department expresses our deepest sympathy to the family of David Sheffield,amp" Hood said. amp"Our prayers are with his family. David chose to get involved with his community and make a difference in the lives of others and for that we are grateful. The sacrifice he made could have been anyone of us, it just so happened to be for Taylor Smith's family and the recovery team's desire to give them the closure they needed.amp"