DICKINSON, N.Y. -- Escaped inmate David Sweat, who was shot and captured after 23 days on the run, had been serving a life sentence without parole after being convicted of first-degree murder.

Sweat shot and killed Broome County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Tarsia in 2002.

Broome County Sheriff David Harder says Sweat's capture comes as a huge relief, thanks to the hard work of all involved.

"You're working 12-hour shifts, 12 on, 12 off. It took a lot of energy and a lot of people to do this, and they did the job excellent. They were able to corner him and drive him down and take him into custody," said Harder.

Tarsia was the first member of the Broome County Sheriff's Office to be killed in the line of duty.