Deputy Chief Mike Bryant spent more than three decades serving with the Vicksburg Police Department (VPD) before his retirement in November, but his time away from the job didn’t last long.

Bryant retired after 32 years of service, but Chief of Police Penny Jones has announced his return to part-time duty, adding he will join a list of veteran VPD officers serving the River City.

“Today, I’m proud to announce that Deputy Chief Mike Bryant has returned to serve part-time with the Vicksburg Police Department,” Jones said. “His return is more than just a personnel update — it’s a reflection of the deep relationships and lasting bonds that define our department. Law enforcement isn’t just a job; it’s a calling; a brotherhood and sisterhood built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a commitment to protect and serve.”

Jones said Bryant rejoins the ranks of a department flush with officers with decades of experience. During Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen, officer Johnnie Edwards was recognized for 25 years of service. Jones said Edwards’ commitment to service is not an anomaly, but rather one of many examples of officers who have been dedicated to the job for many years.

“In a time when fewer people are choosing this career path, I want to shine a light on the men and women who have stood the test of time — those who continue to wear the badge with pride after 15, 20, even 30 years of service,” Jones said. “Officers like Lt. Bobby Jones, Sgt. Michael Battle, Capt. Curtis Judge, Capt. Johnny Edwards, Capt. Claude Billings, Capt. Dewayne Smith, Lt. Anthony Lane, Sgt. Dewayne Powers, Deputy Chiefs Troy Kimble and Charlie Hill, officer Cleon Butler, officer Clay Griffin and Lt. Hung Nguyen are the backbone of this department. Their dedication to Vicksburg has never wavered.”

Jones also said it is important to remember many longtime officers have watched not just the community they protect, but also the way they do their jobs, change drastically over their many years of service.

“Policing is not the same today as it was when we started,” she said. “Many of us remember when officers had to share patrol cars in the early ’90s, or being assigned to foot patrol in downtown. In some ways, the challenges are still similar, but the demands of the job have grown. We’re now confronting more juvenile crime, increasing resistance to authority, and the powerful influence of social media, all of which make law enforcement more complex.”

Coming off a month where VPD announced crime statistics across Vicksburg dropped drastically, Jones said she and her officers are encouraged, adding, however, that there is little time for celebration as new challenges present themselves daily.

“There are those who believe they can come in and change crime in Vicksburg in six months. I respect optimism, but I also respect truth. Crime is a deeply rooted social issue. It’s not just about patrol cars and arrests. It’s about poverty, education, parenting, mental health, and opportunity. It’s about building trust, not just control.”

Despite continuing challenges, Jones said it is her veteran officers who act as anchors for her entire department, adding she has no doubt they will continue to lead younger members of the police force forward as VPD works to tackle crime in Vicksburg.

“The officers of the Vicksburg Police Department are needed now more than ever,” she said. “We may not always get the recognition we deserve, but we remain faithful to our oath. Because when the lights go off and the crowds go home, what lasts are the friendships, the shared struggles, and the quiet victories no one sees. We are proud to serve. And we’ll keep showing up.”