By Eileen Buckley
Coldspring, NY – Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John was found dead early Tuesday morning in the town of Coldspring. New York State Police and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department are investigating the death.
State Police spokeswoman Rebecca Gibbons confirmed his death at this time. John reportedly died of an apparent suicide. State police say he died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound.
John was the first Native American to hold the Office of Sheriff in the State.
Seneca Nation president Barry Snyder issued a statement in response to his death.
"On behalf of the Seneca Nation, we were deeply saddened to hear of the death of one of our most trusted and respected members, Dennis John. He was committed to his profession as a law enforcement professional both for the Nation and Cattaraugus County. Each day he put the safety and well-being of others first. It was his life's passion. Our deepest condolences go out to his family on this very difficult day," said Snyder.
John also served on the Salamanca Police Department and the Allegany State Park Police before joining the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office in 1981. He was appointed to serve as Sheriff in 2005.
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