It saddens me to inform you all of Sheriff Elmer B. Litchfield's passing last night. As of today, visitation will be held this Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East on Florida Boulevard and Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Florida Blvd Baptist Church. The funeral will be held in the Florida Blvd Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Thursday and burial will follow at Green Oaks. We will update if anything changes.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Sheriff Litchfield.

Below is a statement made today by Sheriff Sid J. Gautreaux:

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Sheriff Elmer B. Litchfield. For many years, he served this community and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. He accomplished so much for this parish, and I respect and honor him for his principled stand against crime.

He dedicated himself to serving the public first in the United States Marine Corps, then with the FBI and finally as Sheriff. I hope to continue his legacy by continuing his commitment to working to eradicate crime in East Baton Rouge Parish. He has served as a valuable role model and has laid very important groundwork.

On behalf of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's office, Suzi and I extend our condolences to Sheriff Litchfield's family. We offer them support in this difficult time, and we will continue to keep them in our prayers."