Some of Warren County’s finest were honored Wednesday night and all residents of the community can feel safer due to their dedication.

Vicksburg police Sgt. Bobby Jones, Warren Count Sheriff’s deputy Cpl. Robert Taylor, Vicksburg firefighter/paramedic Kimani Ratliff and Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Sgt. John Minor were recognized by the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club as first responders of the year during the club’s 34th annual Officer of the Year Banquet.

The four men were nominated by their department chiefs and chosen by the club as first responders of the year.

Each department nominated two officers based on their service records, job performance and resumes.

Jones has been an officer with VPD for 17 years and is a watch commander.

Taylor is a shift supervisor who has served two terms with the sheriff’s office, from 2005 to 2010, when he left to be police chief of Rolling Fork, and returning 2013. He has announced his retirement.

Ratliff is a seven-year veteran of the fire department and Minor is a 24-year veteran with the Mississippi Highway Patrol assigned to Warren County.

“At times you should be honored for doing your job well, and that’s the purpose for this banquet tonight; we’re going to honor the men and women of (public) safety for doing their job well, and for that we thank you,” Fire Chief Craig Danczyk, who served as the program’s guest speaker, said.

These four men represent some of the best of Warren County and we commend them for their service. Congratulations on being honored as first responders of the year.