State Capitol Police Chief W. Scott Hunter died Friday after a long illness. He was 49.

The announcement came from the state Department of Public Safety, which also released a statement that Secretary Reuben Young wrote to the department’s employees.

“Chief Hunter was a loyal employee, devoted friend and family man,” Young said. “He was my friend and a friend to many others in the department who admired his compassion, sense of humor and quick wit.”

Hunter was married and had three children.

Hunter was a state trooper for 18 years before becoming chief of the State Capitol police force in 2003. He grew up in Laurens, S.C., attended N.C. Central University for two years and then joined the State Highway Patrol.

He was an active member of Upper Room Church of God in Christ in Raleigh.