Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg will join other cities around the nation in observance of National Police Week, May 12 – May 18, to pay tribute to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to remember the tireless efforts of those who continue to keep our community safe. What began last year as a few opportunities to recognize officers has blossomed into a full week of events and moments of reflection for the city.
“Police Week stands as an opportunity for us to recognize and thank the incredible men and women who work to keep Hattiesburg safe. We know all too well the risks that each police officer takes on when they put on the uniform every day,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “While it may be painful to reflect on the sacrifices that members of our law enforcement community have made, we make ourselves better and more understanding citizens when we simply take a moment to remember and say ‘thank you.’”
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.
“Regardless of department, the loss of a fellow officer is a blow to the entire law enforcement community,” said Chief Anthony Parker. “Our city’s celebration of Police Week allows for us to come together and remember all who have made the ultimate sacrifice – including the six officers we call our own.”
Parker added, “The Hattiesburg community never ceases to show up and support our department, and we look forward to joining them at several events where get to continue building a better relationship with our neighbors and the citizens we proudly serve.”
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)
With the four-year anniversary of fallen officers Benjamin J. Deen and Liquori Tate on Thursday, May 9, Hattiesburg Police Department will begin honoring our fallen a few days early with a short memorial service (release of balloons and placing flowers) at 5:30 p.m., at 514 East 4th Street where the officers were slain. The community is invited to attend.
A full schedule of events scheduled for Police Week include:
Thursday, May 9:
Memorial Balloon Release
514 East 4th Street
5:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 12:
Day of Remembrance
All flags flown at city facilities will be lowered to half-staff in memory of Hattiesburg’s fallen.
Monday, May 13:
Community Candle Lighting
Prayer Room in Parkway Heights United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, MS
4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Parkway Heights is opening its doors to the community to swing by their prayer room on Monday, May 13 between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to light a candle for our officers. This is an informal, come-and-go opportunity for anyone who would like to participate.
Tuesday, May 14
Coffee with a Cop at The Depot
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Wednesday, May 15
Pine Belt Area Law Enforcement
Police Memorial Ceremony & Proclamation
Thursday, May 16
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 18
Blue Line Challenge Obstacle Course Race
Hattiesburg Fire & Police Training Academy
53 Academy Drive
To close out Police Week in Hattiesburg, HPD’s Benefit Fund will host the Blue Line Challenge Obstacle Course Race. To register: https://racesonline.com/events/blue-line-challenge/
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