“We Are Behind the Badge”
May 15th, 2008

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a bill into law declaring May 15^th as the first Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, a day to pay homage to “… the heroes who have fallen in the line of duty”. Today, Metro Jackson law enforcement agencies came together for the third year to remember and honor their fallen comrades (Click here to view photos of today's Memorial Service), as well as to recognize the dedicated service of “Top Cops”. 

This year, 36 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty across the U.S. None have died in Mississippi this year, but two officers died in MS last year, both from auto accidents.

Chip Miskelly, SafeCity Board member and long time supporter of law enforcement, emceed today’s event which was attended by at least 500 family members and law enforcement officers and supporters. The “Top Cops” Program is sponsored by the Mississippi Center for Police and Sheriffs and is one of the many ways SafeCity supports law enforcement officers.

Lt. Governor Phil Bryant also made remarks at today’s event, recognizing the dedicated service of law enforcement.

Following is a list of the “Top Cop” Recipients at this year’s event.

City of Brandon:   Officer Josh Arnold

City of Clinton:   Officer James McNamee

City of Florence: Officer Kevin Isbell

Jackson-Evers International Airport: Sergeant Michael Lee

City of Jackson: Officer Benjamin Williams

City of Madison: Sergeant Leland Chow

City of Pearl: Detective Brian Ellis

City of Pelahatchie: Officer Jack McCart

City of Raymond: Captain Anthony Renfroe

City of Ridgeland: Officer Marcus Edwards

City of Terry: Sergeant Samuel Cooper

MS State Capitol: Sergeant Eddie Washington

University Medical Center Campus: Officer Deficio Stoglin

Hinds County Sheriff’s Office: Investigator Eric Zetterholm

Madison County Sheriff’s Office: Sergeant Jeremy Williams

Rankin County Sheriff’s Office: Investigator Chris Ainsworth

Warren County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Jeff Harrell

MS Agricultural & Livestock Theft Bureau: Investigator Lee Barkdull

Office of the Attorney General Chief: Investigator Karl Pree

Office of the State Auditor Deputy:  Director James B. Norris

MS Bureau of Narcotic’s: Agent Luis Hawkin

MS Dept. of Corrections: Investigator Todd M. King

MS Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks: Officer Greg Walters

Federal Bureau of Investigations: Special Agent Bill Delaney

United States Marshal’s Service Supervisory: Deputy James McIntosh II