BRIDGEWATER – Officials in Aroostook County on Tuesday were mourning the unexpected death of former Aroostook County Sheriff Edgar Wheeler, who also served four consecutive terms in the Legislature as a state representative for District 143.

Wheeler, 65, a former Bridgewater selectman who had just secured another three-year term on the board last year, died on Monday evening.

“It’s a significant loss for everyone,” Aroostook County District Attorney Neale Adams, who in the past worked and maintained a friendship with Wheeler, said on Tuesday evening. “He served his town, his county and his state throughout his entire life. He was smart, he cared a lot about people, and he stood up for what he believed in.”

Wheeler became involved in law enforcement in 1968 after joining the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department, according to published reports, and served as Aroostook County sheriff for 12 years.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, a former small-business owner and former member of the Maine Sheriffs’ Association and the Aroostook County Chiefs of Police.

Aroostook County Administrator Doug Beaulieu said on Tuesday that he remembered Wheeler from his time in the Legislature.

“He was a good man,” he said. “He was a dedicated public servant and a member of our Aroostook County family – we are all grieving with his family.”

Aroostook County Sheriff Jim Madore agreed that Wheeler had a huge impact on The County and the state.

“He was a great leader and a great person,” he said.

Wheeler’s son, Mitch Wheeler, is a deputy with the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department, and his brother, Keith Wheeler, is a lieutenant with the department.

Funeral plans had not been announced as of Tuesday evening.