A police officer has died in the line of duty while heroically rescuing a swimmer in distress off of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

The incident occurred in the evening on Sunday, June 6, when Baldwin County Sheriff’s Deputy William “Bill” Smith and another deputy responded to a call regarding a distressed swimmer and dove in to help the individual, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Smith and his colleague were able to save the life of the person in the water but Smith ended up laying down his own life to save them.

“Deputy Smith’s brave and swift response to save the life of another should cause us all to pause and reflect upon the sacrifice of all law enforcement,” said Marshall. “We can never repay Deputy Smith for putting the life of a potential victim ahead of his own. Tonight, we offer our prayers to Deputy Smith’s family and his friends and colleagues in the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.”

Smith, 57, was a veteran law enforcement officer who previously served with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office before he joined the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office seven years ago and he had previously retired as a firefighter in Georgia, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Daily Memorial page on Facebook.

“Tonight, we are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Deputy William “Bill” Smith of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in the line of duty,” said the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in a post on Facebook. “We hold close our brothers and sisters at the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Smith’s family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy including those that continue to recover from the rescue today. Rest easy, Deputy Smith. Thank you for your service.”

Smith is survived by his wife and two children.