Long-serving University Police Department Officer James Isom died Tuesday morning at his home in the District, the University announced late Tuesday afternoon.

University spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard declined to comment on how Isom was found.

Isom received his degree at the University in 1969, and two years later began working for the UPD. Throughout his 39-year-long career at GW, Isom moved up the ranks within UPD, serving as the interim UPD chief when Dolores Stafford left the University last year.

“James Isom was one of the hardest working police executives I’ve ever had the privilege to know. His tireless efforts are well known by the members of this department, and he will be missed,” current UPD Chief Kevin Hay said in a news release.

University President Steven Knapp also expressed his condolences.

“James spent almost 50 years at GW as a student, athlete and member of GWPD,” Knapp said in a news release. “His legacy of service, commitment and hard work will live on in all those he trained and led.”

A University Police officer who spoke to The Hatchet said officers were told Isom was found early this morning in his car. The officer also said Isom had been sick recently and was hospitalized in the past month, but didn’t know what illness Isom had.

– Amy D’Onofrio contributed to this report