SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. -- When Anne Jackson joined the sheriff's office in 2002, she had no prior law enforcement experience.

But her unwavering passion for animals convinced Skagit County Chief Deputy Will Reichardt to hire her as the county's first animal control officer.

"I remember interviewing her for the job and she talked about how much she loved animals. This was like going to be her dream job," he said.

That dream job paved the way for her as patrol deputy. Reichardt said Jackson caught the "law enforcement bug" and took the test to become a deputy in 2005, a job she handled with the same passion she brought to the force in the beginning.

"She always seemed very upbeat and very happy," he said. "If something was going wrong she'd try to make the best out of it. I will always remember her smile."

Jackson, 40, was shot to death after responding to a disturbance call at a home in Alger on Tuesday afternoon.

Reichardt said the 24 hours following Jackson's death has been an emotional roller coaster for the members of his department.

A memorial outside the sheriff's office has been growing by the hour with tributes to Jackson, flowers, lighted candles, a stuffed bear and a handwritten banner reading "Heroes (at) home in our hearts."

"It ended way too soon but I know we're all very proud of her," Reichardt said.

Jackson is the second Skagit County deputy to die in the line of duty. Deputies plan to honor Jackson by retiring her personnel number.