GALVESTON — Joe Maffei, a longtime Galveston law enforcement officer whose career spanned more than four decades with the Galveston Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service, has died at age 77, according to his family.

Maffei, whose badge was #637, served 34 years with the Galveston Police Department before spending more than a decade with the U.S. Marshals Service.

His family announced his passing in a statement, remembering Maffei for a lifetime devoted to law enforcement, his family and the Galveston community.

“To those in the law enforcement community, Joe Maffei was far more than a badge and a uniform. He was a legend,” the family said.

Maffei was remembered by his family for his courage, strength and commitment to protecting others. They described him as belonging to a generation that viewed wearing a badge not simply as a profession, but as a calling and a responsibility to the community.

His knowledge, experience and work ethic earned the respect of those who served alongside him, his family said, and his influence will continue through the officers he worked with and the lessons he passed down throughout his career.

“Joe leaves behind more than an extraordinary career. He leaves behind a standard,” the family said.

That standard, according to his family, included courage in difficult circumstances, loyalty to fellow officers and an unwavering commitment to the badge and the people it represents.

But his family said Maffei’s law enforcement career represented only part of his life.

Away from the badge, Maffei was a devoted husband, a father and best friend to his son and a proud “Pops” to his granddaughter.

“Beneath the toughness was a man with tremendous loyalty and an enormous love for those he called his own,” his family said.

They said his family was the pride of his life and that being a husband, father and grandfather were among his greatest honors.

Maffei’s family said his legacy will continue through his loved ones and the generations of law enforcement officers influenced by his service.

“The law enforcement community has lost one of its own, Galveston has lost a man who spent a lifetime protecting its people, and countless friends and colleagues have lost someone whose presence will never truly be replaced,” the family said.

The family thanked members of the community, law enforcement and others who have offered prayers, memories and support following Maffei’s death.

A cause of death and information regarding funeral or memorial arrangements were not included in the statement.