Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Throughout the week of May 15, the City of Hattiesburg will join other cities around the nation in observance of National Police Week – a week that was established by Congress in 1962 to pay tribute to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to remember the tireless efforts of those who continue to keep communities safe.
“We take this week each year to actively live in gratitude for those who have fallen in the line of duty and to say thank you to the many men and women who serve and protect our community each day,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. “Our officers work deliberately alongside our community, and I’m grateful for the sacrifices each of them, along with their families, make. I encourage all of Hattiesburg to find time this week to reach out and say thank you or to spend time with any of our law enforcement officers throughout the Pine Belt.”
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.
“This week is a significant week for our department and agencies across the country as we remember those who’ve gone before us,” said Hattiesburg Police Chief Peggy Sealy. “We’re grateful to work in a city that continues to support us, and we honor the lives of our fallen by continuing their legacies of service to the residents 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)
The City of Hattiesburg will also recognize Police Week through the following events:
Sunday, May 15 // Day of Remembrance
To honor the lives of all officers slain in the line of duty – all flags on city properties will be lowered to half-staff.
Wednesday, May 18 // Pine Belt Area Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony
All fallen officers in Forrest and Lamar Counties will be honored during this ceremony. It will be live-streamed from Hattiesburg Police Department’s Facebook Page.
Thursday, May 19 // Popsicles in the Park at Jaycee Park (4 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
Local area youth are invited to join the Hattiesburg Police Department (Official) for popsicles and a fun afternoon of kickball and games.
Friday, May 20 // #PaintHBURGBlue
We invite all area businesses and residents to wear blue or place a blue ribbon on homes in honor of all area law enforcement. Take photos and share on social media with #PaintHBURGBlue.
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