Natrona County Sheriff's Office Lt. Jerry Dale Clark died on Saturday after suffering complications from a recent surgery, according to a news release Tuesday.

Clark, 65, joined the office in 1988 and rose through the ranks to being appointed the Detention Division lieutenant in October 1999.

"Lt. Clark was sensitive towards the needs of inmates and believed deeply in the mission set before him," according to the news release.

He supported the General Educational Development program, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, the chaplain's program at the Natrona County Detention Center, and the Juvenile Justice Board.

Clark participated in community service programs such as "Shop with a Cop," which pairs under-privileged children with local law enforcement officers to buy gifts during the Christmas holiday.

He also served as a mentor to his employees and offered advice to those who sought it, according to the news release. "Lt. Jerry Clark will be greatly missed by his family, the Natrona County Sheriff's Office, the community and all those who knew him during his honorable career."

A memorial service for him will be held at Highland Park Community Church, 5725 Highland Drive, at 2 p.m. Thursday.

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