HILLSBORO, Texas — Retired Hill County Sheriff V. Brent Button, the longest-tenured sheriff in Texas at the time of his retirement, died Saturday in Hillsboro. He was 82.

Button began his career in law enforcement as a Hill County deputy sheriff in 1978 before being appointed sheriff in October 1980. He went on to serve seven consecutive terms, retiring in January 2009 after nearly three decades in office.

During his tenure, Button oversaw Hill County’s transition from a small cell block to a modern law enforcement center and the significant expansion of the current Hill County Jail.

Hill County Sheriff Hunter Barnes and members of the sheriff’s office extended condolences to Button’s family, saying his leadership shaped the department’s work to this day.

Visitation will be held from 6

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