The end-of-watch call for Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson, whose law enforcement career spanned more than five decades, came over police radios on Wednesday, hours after he passed away overnight at the age of 72.

“For over 50 years, Sheriff Anderson served his community with the utmost distinction and professionalism,” the dispatcher said through a scratchy radio transmission, audio that was shared on Facebook by the sheriff’s office.

Anderson joined the department as deputy in 1970, became undersheriff in 1993 and was first elected county sheriff in 1999. He also served as mayor of Pawling in the 1980s.

“He always said, 'Treat others the way you want to be treated,’” County Executive Marc Molinaro recalled Wednesday.

Holding back emotion, Molinaro said Anderson considered his colleagues and community his family.

“Butch always — as he did for many — referred to me as his son,” Molinaro said, “and in some ways, we lose a dad, we lose a father.”

Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison recalled the first meeting Anderson attended at the Dutchess County Police Academy in 1980, when Rolison had just become an officer and Anderson was quickly moving up the department’s ranks.

Decades later, when Rolison was a county legislator, Rolison joined Anderson to lobby for better conditions and funding at the county jail. Rolison said he could not have asked for a better partner.

“He was always so personable in how he approached everyone, people he knew and people he didn’t even know,” the mayor said. “When you have that sort of persona and personality, people just feel good about themselves, feel good about the person they’re talking to.”

New York GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy detailed Anderson's compassionate spirit in a tribute to the late officer.

"Dutchess County and the State of New York have lost a great man. Our hearts and prayers are with his beloved wife Danielle and their children. Until we meet again my friend," said Langworthy.

In a statement, Hudson Valley Assemblyman Colin Schmitt said, "Rest in peace Butch. Thank you for your lifetime of service to the safety and well-being of not only your home county, but our entire region, state and nation."

State Senator Sue Serino called the late sheriff a "true hero," saying in part, "Sheriff Butch Anderson was not only a dear personal friend, but someone who felt like a father, a brother and confidant to everyone who crossed his path. He truly was a steadfast and selfless leader who treated our whole community like family. Butch was famous for saying, 'family first.' Our hearts remain with his family that he cherished so dearly during this incredibly difficult time."

Pawling Town Supervisor James Schmitt said Anderson was a great mentor.

“His service to Pawling and Dutchess County is unmatched and will be revered for years to come, Schmitt wrote in a statement. “He has impacted countless lives, and his legacy will continue to live on in all of us.”

Anderson leaves behind his wife, four children and many friends in his hometown of Pawling.