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Sheriff Burgoyne’s Lifetime of Service

Thomas Burgoyne wore many hats over his long career. He was a husband and a father; he was a crime-fighter for the FBI and as Ohio County’s sheriff for eight years; he was a community leader both in his neighborhood of Dimmeydale and also throughout the Upper Ohio Valley; he was an advocate and mentor for many area youth.

Burgoyne died Thursday. He was 82.

Men such as Burgoyne exemplify the best of who we should be. He gave of himself for his family, his career and for others. He served as a coach and a mentor to many young men and women in Wheeling. He always had a positive thought, a smile and a kind word for those he met — no matter the circumstance. He was a loyal and caring friend. And he believed in the rule of law to help us govern how we live.

As an FBI agent, he came to Wheeling from his native Massachusetts and decided to put down roots here, raising his family in the Dimmeydale neighborhood. He coached youth baseball and was a fixture at the community Fourth of July parade.

He fought organized crime in Wheeling during his long career with the FBI, investigating cases involving the mobster Paul Hankish and his criminal empire. As Ohio County sheriff, he supported programs to help keep teens out of trouble by giving them purpose and direction. Following retirement, Burgoyne and others formed a cold case task force to help with unsolved crimes. And he always gave his time and talents to help grow Catholic education in Wheeling.

“Tom was a complete person, a real asset to the community,” former U.S. Attorney William Kolibash said. “Most people think of Tom and his time in the FBI, or his time as sheriff. But he was so much more than that. He’s certainly the kind of person that made this community a better place to live for us all.”

That’s how we all should be remembered –as being someone who made a difference in the lives of others.

Rest in peace, Sheriff.

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