During the week of May 13 – May 19, the City of Hattiesburg will join other cities around the nation in observance of National Police Week, paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and remembering the tireless efforts of officers who continue to keep the community safe.
“The Hattiesburg Police Department plays a critical role in safeguarding our community and its citizens,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “In my time as Mayor, I’ve watched them repeatedly step into situations that most wouldn’t dare go toward. It’s only fitting that we spend this week honoring those who have died in the line of duty and thanking those who continue to take up their calling each day.”
National Police Week began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. The week was established to pay special recognition to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
“Our department has lost one of our own far too many times,” said Chief Anthony Parker. “But in the most trying of times, the residents of this city lifted us up. We’re thankful for the opportunity to commemorate this week with our sisters and brothers in blue, but also with the citizens of Hattiesburg.”
The City of Hattiesburg will spend the week honoring the following fallen officers:
- Patrolman Liquori Terja Tate (2015)
- Patrolman Benjamin Joseph Deen (2015)
- Sergeant Jacquelyn Kay “Jackie” Sherrill (1984)
- Sergeant David Hue Anthony, Sr. (1973)
- Patrolman Jessie James Everett (1952)
- Patrolman M. W. Vinson, Jr. (1952)
- K9 Nero (2012)
With the three-year anniversary of the deaths of officers Benjamin J. Deen and Liquori Tate on May 9, the City of Hattiesburg and the Hattiesburg Police Department will begin honoring its fallen a few days early by revealing a memorial dedicated to the two officers, located at 514 East 4th Street where they were slain. This memorial was privately funded.
Additional participatory opportunities and events scheduled for Police Week include:
Monday, May 14:
Police Academy Begins with 22 cadets.
Profit Share at Fuzzy’s Tacos
Benefitting HPD’s Benevolent Fund
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Tuesday, May 15
Coffee with a Cop at T-Bone’s
Several officers will be at T-Bone’s. Stop by and have coffee with Hattiesburg’s finest.
8 a.m.
Wednesday, May 16
Day of Remembrance
All flags flown at city facilities will be lowered to half-staff in memory of Hattiesburg’s fallen.
Thursday, May 17
Paint the City Blue
We encourage all city residents to wear blue this day as a way to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to remember those who continue to protect and serve our community.
Saturday, May 19
Blue Line Challenge 5K Obstacle Course Race
To end National Police Week in Hattiesburg, HPD’s Benevolent will host the Blue Line Challenge, a 5K obstacle course race. To register: https://racesonline.com/events/blue-line-challenge/
##