Purcellville Police Chief Darryl Smith has been out of service for the last month dealing with an extended illness, town officials said Friday.

Officials did not specify the illness, but did say Smith is " working hard to get back to the Purcellville Police Department in some capacity in the near future."

Town officials said the chief wanted to convey a message to the public that he misses being in the town and working with citizens and businesses.

"He and his wife Maria appreciate all of the support that they have received in the form of calls, cards, flowers, fruit and prayers. He has been dealing with a minor illness for some time and he had hoped that his doctors would be able to address his symptoms through out-patient care. Unfortunately, it became necessary for the Chief to spend time in the hospital to properly address the illness," officials said in a statement.

The chief told staff that “I feel 200 percent better now.”

He further stated, “I appreciate Town Council and staff support, especially Mayor Lazaro and Mr. Lohr staying in touch and supporting us.”

Smith also expressed appreciation for the staff of the Purcellville Police Department for “Taking care of the Town while I have been out of service.”

Town Manager Rob Lohr stated: “We truly miss Chief Smith and he is a treasured fixture not only in our public safety program but in our community. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his family and we cannot wait to have him back with us. Chief Smith is so loved in our community that I have been receiving calls for weeks from residents and businesses within the community checking on him and hoping everything was alright.”

Anyone who would like to send a card or note to Chief Smith may do so through the Purcellville Police Department at 125 Hirst Road, #7A, Purcellville, VA 20132.