LAPLACE — Louisiana State Police Trooper Chris Maurin retired Tuesday, and local authorities made sure to highlight his service.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office shared news of Maurin’s departure on social media, thanking “Maurin for his many years of loyal and dedicated service to the SJSO as well as the people of St. John Parish.”

Maurin acknowledged his “dream” to be a police officer dates back to his time as a first grade student at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in LaPlace.

That desire translated to more than 28 years of protecting and serving Louisiana’s Patrol Troop B, which includes the East Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish.

Maurin began his law enforcement career under St. John Sheriff Lloyd Johnson, serving for three months before accepting a position with Louisiana State Police, where he routinely assisted Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and local fire departments.

According to the SJSO, to begin his retirement, Maurin gave a final message to the Sheriff’s Office.

Here are excerpts from the emotional final call:
“I pray I have left a positive legacy and impact here because many of you have left an impact on me.”

“The St. John Parish residents, sheriff’s deputies, fire department employees, district attorneys and the court staff have all grown with me through the years. We have all responded … to deal with the most evil of events and the most blessed of events.”

“God bless you and thank you all.”