ST. ROSE — Longtime River Parishes peace officer Joseph Cardella recently retired after more than four decades of service.

Cardella, chief deputy of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, retired July 28 after 44 years of law enforcement.

Before stepping down, Cardella visited The Magnolia Companies of LA and Glen Smith and Gary Smith, presenting three Challenge Coins.

“Chief Cardella has been a great friend to us over the years,” Gary Smith Sr. said.

“He has done an exceptional job, protecting and serving the people of our Parish. We know the department will miss him a great deal, but we hope he enjoys his well-earned retirement.”

Challenge Coins, historically, are exchanged amongst officers and gifted to supporters of the Sheriff’s Office. Those presented included the Bicentennial Challenge Coin, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office Challenge Coin and the National Sheriff’s Association Challenge Coin.