Former Morgan County Sheriff John McBride was an innovator.

He was the county’s first salaried sheriff, added the department’s first radio communication system with its own frequency, its first photo-electric intoximeter, its first Alabama Crime Information computer, its first polygraph machine and a host of other innovations.

But far more important than those improvements was McBride’s way with people. He treated people with respect and was always willing to help others.

Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely, whom McBride encouraged as a young state trooper cadet, said McBride “always put you at ease with his friendly smile and gregarious personality.”

McBride died Saturday after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 72.