The St. Mary Parish community is reeling following the death of Sheriff Blaise Smith Saturday.

Smith served as sheriff since 2018 and was also known in the for dressing up as Santa Claus during the Christmas season in St. Mary Parish.

According to his obituary, Smith began a lifelong career in law enforcement following his time in the U.S. Army. He garnered more than 50 years in law enforcement and during his time as sheriff he was known for his open door policy and strived to make the community a safer place.

“As we continue to navigate through the profound loss of our beloved Sheriff Blaise Smith, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received from St. Mary Parish and the State of Louisiana,” Sheriff-elect Gary Driskell said in a prepared statement.

Driskell said the sheriff’s office will not be responding to media questions until funeral proceedings are finished.

A Law Enforcement Motorcade will leave Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin on Thursday in Smith’s honor. The procession will end at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium where a gathering of of family and friends will take place at 11 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m.

According to his obituary, Smith was a man with a “servant’s heart” and had a larger than life personality that those who loved him remember him by.

“Blaise exemplified the meaning of dedication, integrity, faithfulness, compassion, and honesty. He had a bigger than life personality all while remaining humble, never forgetting where he came from and the people who helped along the way. He was a treasure chest of stories which drew you in and kept you engaged, some making you laugh while others would bring you to tears,” according to the obituary.

Smith became sheriff in 2018 after defeating opponent Scott Anslum, who was serving in the role following the retirement of longtime Sheriff Mark Hebert.