St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith dies Saturday

St. Mary Parish Sherriff and army veteran Blaise Smith died Saturday, Feb 24, according to St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office.

Smith was a U.S. Army Combat Veteran, having served in the Vietnam War, and had 47 years of experience in law enforcement, as a reserve officer, part-time Officer, and full-time POST certified officer.

He retired from St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office in December 1994 at the rank of chief inspector, a news release said. He served in Chitimacha Tribal Police Department, working up to the Chief of Police. Smith also held a federal commission through the Department of Interior for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"Under Smith's leadership, the SMPSO underwent significant improvements, benefiting both deputies and the community," the release said. "His dedication, integrity, and unwavering support for his deputies earned him respect and admiration from all who had the privilege of working alongside him."

Smith, a resident of Centerville, was sworn in as Sheriff of St. Mary Parish in 2018. He was married to Karen McGofff, and had six children, 15 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Smith became sheriff after winning a special election in 2018. Known for his open-door policy, Smith fostered an environment of trust and collaboration within the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office, the release said.

"As we mourn the loss of Sheriff Smith, we ask for your prayers and understanding during this difficult time," Sheriff-Elect Gary Driskell said in the release. "The coming days will undoubtedly be challenging for Sheriff Smith's family, friends, and colleagues. We kindly request that you respect their privacy as they navigate through their grief."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith dies on Saturday