Sheriff released from hospital

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith was released from a hospital "this week," said a Sheriff's Office Facebook post Wednesday, more than three weeks after the office said he was seeking in-patient treatment for an undisclosed illness.

Wednesday's post said Smith "and his family appreciate all that have respected their privacy and ask that you continue until he is ready to make a statement.
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"He and his family are humbled and thankful for all the prayers, well-wishes, and positive thoughts," the Sheriff's Office said. "They ask that you continue to send those and, as always, 'peace be with you and God bless!'"

The office announced March 25 that Smith was seeking evaluation and in-patient treatment.

The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office continued to operate as normal, the Sheriff's Office said.

"The Administrative staff is in contact with Sheriff Smith and his family on a regular basis to stay up to date with his status and to advise and consult with the Sheriff on office matters," the office said. "The Sheriff’s staff looks forward to his full recovery."

Smith, sheriff since 2017 and a 47-year veteran of law enforcement according to the Sheriff's Office website, lives in Centerville. Wednesday's statement didn't say when Smith would return to his normal duties.