A Huntsville police officer was found dead overnight, the victim of a gunshot wound.

James Rushbrook, a 13-year veteran of the police force, was found in a wooded area in Madison County, Huntsville Police spokesman Stacy Bates said. The Madison County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation of his death, which is believed to be a suicide.

No foul play is suspected, Bates said. Rushbrook was off-duty when he died.

Rushbrook, a member of the Madison/Morgan County HIDTA Drug Task Force (STAC) since 2010, was honored last May by the Optimist Clubs of Madison County as an outstanding law enforcement officer. In an announcement of the honor, the club said that Rushbrook's "strong work ethics and dedication to serve (the) community against the 'war on drugs' (was) unique.

He had also in the past been honored with the Meritorious Service medal, citations and letters of commendation from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Rushbrook's family has asked for privacy in their time of grief, Bates said.