(St. Martinvillle, Louisiana) - A police officer in Acadiana has passed away, and now the community and agency he served are mourning his passing.

According to the St Martinville Police Department's Facebook page, Officer Douglas Simon III  recently passed away, and now they're asking for the public to pray for his family.

The viral social media post did not identify the cause of his death, but the police agency says that it is grateful for the time and love they shared. Officer Simon was in law enforcement for over 20 years.

Several other police agencies have extended their thoughts and prayers to the St. Martinville Police Department during this difficult time, and many have offered their condolences in the comment section of the post.


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Many commenting on the announcement of the officer's passing say that he was a great and honest man, who took pride in serving his community.

Our thoughts are with his colleagues in St. Martinville and with his family during this difficult time. We, too, salute and thank him for his service.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office posted this on social media upon learning that Officer Simon passed away.

Other agencies across Acadiana honored the fallen officer by changing their profile photos on social media to the badge with the blue line across it, as a symbol of mourning the loss of an officer.

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