The week of May 15-21 was designated National Police Week for 2023.
The designation was first signed into law in 1962 when John F. Kennedy was president of the United States. Public Law 87-726 designates May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and proclaims “that the week in which the day falls should be National Police Week.” Every year, the National Law Enforcement Officers organize a Memorial Service to honor police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Simpson County officers held such a service on May 19.
To honor Simpson County’s local law enforcement officials, The Magee Courier/Simpson County News recognizes the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, Mendenhall Police Department and Magee Police Department for their efforts.
Sheriff Paul Mullins, 53, took office January 6, 2020, after having served as a volunteer firefighter, police officer and Rankin County Sheriff’s deputy.
“My uncle was actually the sheriff of Simpson County, Garrett Mullins. I’ve always been intrigued with law enforcement,” he said. The main reason Mullins entered the field was to help people.
A Simpson County native, he has seen his share of officers killed in the line of duty. Not only did Mullins deal with Covid upon becoming sheriff, but six months into his tenure, Deputy James Blair was killed on June 12, 2020. “It’s very traumatic but I had to be here for the guys who worked with him. It was a very trying first year.”
Mullins oversees 20 deputies, 20 jailers, nine dispatchers, five office personnel and a TAC officer.
Mendenhall Police Chief Alexander “Candy” McCullum , 65, has been in law enforcement all his life, knowing at a young age that it was his heart’s passion. “Everybody says they want to give back. I just pursued it and kept at it till I got to where I am now.”
He began his career with the Mendenhall Police Department in the 1970s. McCullum left for a time to work for the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department but returned in 1991to MPD. He has been chief since 2009.
McCullum oversees six dispatchers and 12 police officers. All officers are equipped with body cameras which must be used when on duty.
Chief Shane Little will celebrate a year in office in June 2023 as Magee Chief of Police.
“The goal of National Police Week is to honor and celebrate these officers. Individuals and governments have a responsibility to honor their brave and hardworking law enforcement on this day." (From https://nationaltoday.com/national-police-week)
