Sheriff thanks people for support, says cause of illness unknown

Sheriff Blaise Smith thanked people in a Monday Facebook post "for their prayers, concern, love, and support" during a recent illness as he undergoes treatment at a rehabilitation center.

Smith said he still doesn't know the nature of the illness that kept him in a hospital from late March until April 20.

"I have received many inquiries into my illness, and unfortunately, I do not have much information to give," Smith said in his post. "The specific underlying cause of my condition is still unknown. However, there is a suspicion that my bout with COVID19 in December of 2021 may be causing some of the complications."
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Smith thanked medical staff members who treated him "with the utmost care" and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office employees, "who continue to serve the public with professionalism and dedication.
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"I hope to return to work soon and be surrounded by some of the most dedicated law enforcement professionals I’ve had the pleasure to work with.
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"Please continue to pray for my family and me, and as always, peace be with you, and God bless."