The Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club (VHBC) held its 41st annual Officer/Fireperson of the Year ceremony Wednesday.

Officers from the Vicksburg Police Department, Vicksburg Fire Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol were nominated by his or her commanding officers and nominees and winners were announced during Wednesday night’s banquet at the Vicksburg Event & Business Center.

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said honoring law enforcement and firefighters is an important annual undertaking.

“It’s an honor to be here tonight and be a part of this 41st annual Officers and Fireperson event,” Flaggs said. “I want to take this opportunity to say to you that you have been faithful and the person that has led this organization has done a great job, in terms of putting on this banquet. It is my honor to stand here before you tonight as we recognize brave men and women who serve and protect our community with hard work and dedication.”

During Wednesday’s ceremony, two officers and firefighters from each the Vicksburg Police Department (VPD), Vicksburg Fire Department (VFD), the Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) were nominated and a winner announced.

This year’s nominations included VPD officers Jeremy Herrington and Steven Ragan; WCSO deputies Patrick Brown and Andrew Clemts; VFD Lt. Kenneth Wade Gilliand and Lt. Elwin L. Johnson Jr.; and MHP troopers Skyla Smith and Derrick Lacey. 

Officers of the year included Herrington, Johnson Jr., Smith and, in a dual-award, Brown and Clemts.

VHBC President Willie Glasper said the night was a success.

“Our first responders definitely need to be recognized,” Glasper said. “They deserve not only recognition, but credit for what they do.”

Also serving as a speaker for Wednesday’s ceremony was Vicksburg Ward 1 Alderman Thomas “T.J.” Mayfield.

Performing at the event was blues singer Dutchess Jureesa McBride, who performed a rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.