Prince George's County Sheriff Melvin High Dead At 78: Authorities

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Melvin High, who served as sheriff of Prince George's County since 2010, died Thursday, the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff confirmed. He was 78.

At a news conference Thursday, Col. Darrin Palmer of the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff said High was feeling ill and checked himself into a hospital before his death. Palmer did not specify a cause of death.

"High was the epitome of a law enforcement professional," Palmer said. "He was thoughtful, caring and a consummate teacher. He deeply loved this agency... (and) was an exceptional human being who gave everything he had in service to others. He was loved and he will be deeply missed by everybody."

Palmer, who also serves as chief assistant sheriff, was appointed interim chief following High's death. He will assume all responsibilities of the position until Lt. Col. John D.B. Carr assumes the position. Carr, High's assistant sheriff, ran uncontested in the Nov. 8 election.

High had nearly completed his third term as Prince George's County sheriff after deciding not to seek re-election to the position earlier this year.

High will be remembered for his service to the community and commitment to the safety of Prince Georgians, said County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

“Sheriff High led a stellar career in law enforcement, serving in various capacities in the Washington Metropolitan region including Chief of Police for Prince George’s County and Norfolk, Virginia, and Assistant Chief of Police for Washington, D.C. He served as our sheriff for nearly 12 years and has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and families throughout our community during his tenure," Alsobrooks said in a statement. "Sheriff High was especially involved in efforts to fight domestic violence in our community, launching the annual Purple Light Nights Program in October during his tenure.

“We are asking Prince Georgians to join us in praying for Sheriff High’s family, including his wife, Brenda, and his daughter, Tracy, as they navigate this very difficult time,” Alsobrooks said.

State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy also mourned the death of High, whom she first met in 2003 when she was tasked with getting him confirmed by the County Council as Prince George’s County police chief.

"He has had an exemplary career in law enforcement, spanning several decades and various jurisdictions, becoming the elected sheriff of Prince George’s County in 2010. In that role, he successfully led and managed his department and spearheaded numerous crime prevention efforts to keep Prince George’s County safe and provide hope for our future," Braveboy said in a statement. "For me, Sheriff High was a supporter, an advisor and a mentor. I will miss him as a colleague in law enforcement, but I know that his body of work and good deeds will live on."

Prior to serving as sheriff, High was county chief of police. He was appointed to the position and served from 2003 until 2008, according to the county's website. In that role, High oversaw the country's 32nd-largest local law enforcement agency which provided services to nearly 900,000 people.

Prior to joining the Prince George’s County Police Department, High served as chief of police for the city of Norfolk, Virginia. From 1969 until 1993, High was a member of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., where he ended his tenure as assistant chief of police.

High held a bachelor's degree in biology from Tennessee State University and a Master's degree in business and public administration from Southeastern University. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967 and served in Vietnam.

High is survived by his wife, Brenda, and daughter Tracy.