Officials have released the identity of the Mandeville police officer who was shot and killed after a deadly traffic stop near Hwy 22 in Mandeville Friday afternoon.

Mandeville Police Chief Gerald Sticker said this on Facebook:

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mandeville Police Captain, Vincent “Vinny” Liberto Jr."

Chief Stickler says that Captain Liberto was a "highly decorated and respected law enforcement officer known across the country."

Liberto graduated from Brother Martin High School in 1979 and joined the United States Marine Corps upon graduation.

Liberto served his country for 10 years.

He joined forces with the Mandeville Police Department in 1994 where he climbed through the ranks and earned multiple awards during his service.

These include Officer of The Year.

Captain Liberto was also a polygraphist who graduated from the F.B.I National Academy.

Captain Liberto leaves behind a loving wife and seven children.

He was 58 years old.

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