Sherman, IL (WAND) – Area first responders paid tribute to longtime New Berlin Chief of Police Terry Nydegger as his body was returned to Sherman on Monday.

Nydegger was killed in a car crash while vacationing in Wisconsin in July.

The Village of New Berlin said in a Facebook post that he spent over 30 years leading the department.

Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management Director Mia Ray said that Nydegger was kind, had a great sense of humor and was always dependable.

“He was just so meticulous and patient and really knew what he was doing all around. He was an incredible individual, and I can’t express how much we’re going to miss him,” Ray said.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said Nydegger was driving next to an SUV on Interstate 90 when the vehicles collided.

WisDOT stated the collision sent Nydegger’s pickup truck across the median into oncoming traffic and struck two semis.

Wisconsin State Police are continuing to investigate the crash that killed him as a hit-and-run.