CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — Former Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Dougherty has died.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department made the announcement Monday morning. A family member posted on social media that Dougherty died late Sunday at his home in Florida.
Dougherty ran unsuccessfully for the 16th District Senate seat in 2020. He was defeated by incumbent Senator Patricia Rucker.
Dougherty held positions as a magistrate, parole officer and probation supervisor. He also worked as a professional staff member for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, including five years on the staff of the House and Senate committees on veterans affairs.
At the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, he worked with state local and federal governments, for profit and nonprofit corporations and faith-based organizations.
In 2013, Dougherty was appointed to the Jefferson County sheriff’s post and was re-elected. His second term ended in December of last year.
The sheriff’s department said tributes were pouring in from his colleagues in law enforcement from around the state.
Dougherty is survived by his wife, three children along with grandchildren.