A fallen police officer from Orange County is being remembered for his 26 years of service.

Town of Crawford Police Sgt. Eric Meier, 51, died Thursday after suffering an apparent heart attack while on duty. Officials say Meier was combing a wooded area for reported marijuana plants during an investigation when he collapsed.

Meier died just days before he planned to announce his retirement.

"It's doubly tragic because he served a lot of time here, did a lot of good things for the community and was going to go enjoy his time and unfortunately it was cut short," said Chief Dominick Blasko, of the Crawford Police Department.

Wake services for Sgt. Meier will be held Monday at Gagan Funeral Home in Pine Bush. His funeral will be held there on Tuesday.

Meier was also a longtime member of the Pine Bush Board of Education. He is survived by his wife and children.