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SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — Former Slidell Police Chief Max Rodriguez has passed away, the police department announced on Tuesday.

Rodriguez, who served as Police Chief from 1978-1990, was recognized during his tenure for raising officer pay and increasing the size of the department. Perhaps one of the most memorable accomplishments was changing the department’s badge to the design that’s used even now, more than 30 years later.

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“The strong foundation Chief Rodriguez built for the Slidell Police Department is still being forged upon till this day. Our hearts go out to the Rodriguez family, and all who are impacted by his loss,” the department eulogized in a Facebook post along with pictures of the former chief.

SPD says services will be held on Monday, August 22 at 11:30 a.m. at Honaker Funeral Home.