MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Members of Marion County’s thin blue line are mourning the loss of one of their own.

Both the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Ocala Police Department (OPD) have posted on social media announcing the death of former Dunnellon Police Chief Mike McQuaig.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the untimely passing of retired MCSO Major and retired Chief of Police for Dunnellon, Mike McQuaig, who passed away in the early morning hours,” stated MCSO on its Facebook page. “His journey began with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in 1973, a dedicated tenure spanning three decades. Chief McQuaig then assumed the role of Chief of Police in Dunnellon in 2016, leaving a lasting mark until his retirement in 2023.”

McQuaig died on Thursday. He was 75.

After retiring, MCSO says McQuaig served as a Reserve Investigator with the State’s Attorney’s Office.

The sheriff’s office says McQuaig took great pride in serving the community and that rubbed off on his children and granddaughter who they say followed in his law enforcement footsteps.

“Today, we lost an honored retiree of MCSO and a cherished friend,” stated Sheriff Billy Woods. “His legacy of dedication and friendship will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Chief.”

OPD called McQuaig a “distinguished law enforcement leader and dedicated public servant who left a memorable mark on our community.”

Roberts Funeral Home and Crematory of Dunnellon is handling funeral services which are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 at First Baptist Church of Ocala. To leave a tribute or send condolences to the family, visit the funeral home website.