CHEYENNE - Deputy Police Chief George W. "Bill" Stanford died Monday. He was 45.

Stanford was a 22-year veteran of the department. He died in the department's gymnasium from a heart attack while running on a treadmill.

Mayor Jack Spiker said Stanford had suffered a mild stroke last month and had lost 17 pounds by dieting since then.

"This is a huge loss for the city and a huge loss for the police department," Spiker said.

Police Chief Bob Fecht said Stanford started the department's in-house officer training program.

"He's worked with a lot of people for a long period of time," Fecht said. "For many people, they are feeling the effects of a loss of someone very close to them."

Stanford is survived by his wife, Dana, and three daughters.