BILLINGS - The Montana law enforcement community is grieving after hearing about the loss of Sheriff Maxwell but his peers say the sheriff's legacy will live on forever.

After battling cancer for several years Yellowstone County Sheriff Chuck Maxwell passed away on Friday. Maxwell's friends say he was as standup as they come and always had the community's best interest in mind.

'He's just one of the classiest guys I've ever met and one of the most compassionate people I've ever met he absolutely loved being a public servant," said Yellowstone County Undersheriff Jay Bell.

"The thing that I value was his ability to keep things in perspective and of course his sense of humor," said Billings Police Chief Rich St. John.

Maxwell was always open to new ideas and was always willing to reach across the aisle. "Historically in some places the police and sheriff are at odds with each other and it's never been that way in Billings and I'm pleased to say since I've been chief the relationship has never been better," said St. John.

"When we put together the violent crime fugitive task force he was one of the first to stand up and say gosh that's a great idea. We want to be involved and want to help," said U.S. Marshal Dwight Mackay.

Although Maxwell was an enforcer many say it was his goodwill that helped him lead and serve and filling his shoes will be very tough to do.

"He was a people's sheriff, he was well liked by the community, he was out amount them, and I think that's what his legacy will be," said St. John.

Undersheriff Bell will take over as the acting sheriff until the Yellowstone County Commissioners appoint a new sheriff for the rest of Maxwell's term.

Undersheriff Jay Bell says the funeral for Maxwell will be held this Wednesday at the Metra Park Expo Center. The ceremony will be open to the public.

Following the service there will be a procession leading to the Mountview Cemetery in Billings. The memorial service at MetraPark will begin at 2:00 pm, county officials say the ceremony will be open to the public.