MOUNT VERNON, Ohio -- Investigators believe a former Knox County sheriff took his own life after he was found dead in his home on Sunday, reports say.

David Barber, 63, died of a gunshot wound to the chest and a suicide note was found, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Barber might have been dead for three or four days, the Dispatch reports. He was found after family members became concerned after not hearing from him and sent someone to check on him.

Knox County coroner Jennifer Ogle tells the Mount Vernon News that foul play is not suspected. An autopsy was performed Monday but an official ruling has not been released.

According to the News, Barber retired as sheriff in 2013 after serving in the position for 20 years. He started in law enforcement in 1972.

"He was a great boss. He put the citizens ahead of politics," Richard Brenneman, who served in the sheriff's department with Barber, tells the Dispatch. "He did things right. This is a sad time for the county."

Barber gained national attention while investigating a triple homicide in Knox County in 2010, the Dispatch reports. He also took pride in the opening of a new jail in 2002, reports say.

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