A Walton County Sheriff’s employee died Friday during training at the DeKalb Technical College's law enforcement academy.

According to autopsy results from the State Medical Examiner's Office, James Adcock died of natural causes of cardiac thrombosis, which is the formation of blood clots in the cavities of the heart, as well as atherosclerotic cardio vascular disease and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The 54-year-old Monroe resident was a member of DeKalb Technical College's law enforcement academy and an employee of the Walton County Sheriff's Department.

Friday afternoon Adcock was involved in a defensive training exercise in which he tried to take into custody a suspect who was resisting arrest. During the training exercise Adcock passed out. He was immediately given CPR by the instructor who was administering the training exercise. EMS instructors in another part of the building were summoned as 911 was called. Adcock was shocked with a defibrillator and regained consciousness. While in route to Newton Medical Center he lost consciousness again and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Adcock was a two year veteran of the Walton County Sheriff's department. He worked as a corrections officer and was attending DeKalb Tech's Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) to gain certification to become a patrol officer.

His wife, Rebecca, said her husband loved law enforcement. DeKalb Tech's president, Dr. Robin Hoffman expressed condolences to Rebecca and the Adcock family.

"It is with great sorrow that we extend our condolences to the Adcock family at this difficult time. While your loss is immeasurable, the contribution James made to the DeKalb Tech family as a law enforcement cadet will be irreplaceable," Hoffman said.

As a symbol grief and unity, all members of DeKalb Tech's Public Safety Academies will wear black armbands for the remainder of the course. Dr. Richard Wieser, Public Safety & Security Department Chairperson said this includes about 150 students, staff and faculty of the EMS, Fire and LEA academies.

"This is our silent but strong way of showing our solidarity, support and sorrow for the loss of someone who was a close part of our public safety family at DeKalb Tech," Wieser said.