Last week was National Police Week.

As the crime reporter I have gotten to know a lot of law enforcement officers in the city and the county, and I have to say they are probably some of the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve met in Vicksburg.

Sure, that could be because I am a member of the press and they just want to be on my good side, or maybe they just like to be of service to the public in any way they can.

Regardless of their motives, I quite appreciate the people I have gotten to know and the ones I visit with nearly every day. Especially those who have patiently helped me learn the ropes of officer vernacular and what it all means in layman’s terms.

These officers are people just like everyone else but they feel the need to keep their community safe. When I spoke to Investigator Tommy Curtis a couple of days ago, he said the job is tough but it has to be done. For him it is a calling, and his faith in God gets him through.

“We pray everyday,” Curtis said. “We know the good Lord, he looks out for us when we’re out doing our job.”

Curtis and Sgt. Ronnie Ingram of the Vicksburg Police Department, Jamie Acuff and Martin Pace of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and Johnny Kisner of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were recognized Thursday in Jackson with other officers from around the state for their hard work, dedication and public service.

Sheriff’s Deputy Johnny Gatson was remembered in Washington D.C. and in Jackson this week along with all the other officers who died in the line of duty last year. Gatson died from a blood clot March 10, 2015, directly related to a broken leg he sustained in an on-duty vehicle crash during an ice storm Feb. 23, 2015. His name has been inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall.

Recently, the sheriff’s office added two new deputies to the roster, Hamp Lyons and Kyle Davidson.

I spoke with both of the newly minted deputies a couple weeks ago, but I did not find out until later that Davidson had the highest average for physical training and finished first in his class at the academy. Not only a good officer, but humble too!

In addition to being honored this week, officers have also given back by inspecting child safety seats for free Saturday and by running the Mississippi Special Olympics torch through downtown Vicksburg Wednesday.

I know over the past couple years officer have gotten a bad wrap across the country. Honestly, I don’t want to give my two cents on that situation, but I mention it only because I don’t see that issue in Vicksburg or Warren County.

By in large, the side of this community I see does not seem to bump heads with those in charge of keeping the peace, and I think that can be attributed to the quality of officers we have here.

 

Alana Norris is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at alana.norris@vicksburgpost.com.