The Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, was still able to find a way to honor the fallen officers of Simpson County.
In an abbreviated ceremony with a limited crowd maintaining social distancing, deputies and guests gathered in front of the Chancery Court last Thursday to pay homage to the “Heroes Behind the Badge.”
Sheriff Paul Mullins welcomed everyone and explained the importance of honoring the sacrifice of the law enforcement officers of the past.
Rodney Anderson gave the opening prayer, Jeff Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance, and LeQuieta Walker sang the National Anthem. Afterwards Sheriff Mullins stood before the crowd to read the names of the fallen officers.
Fallen officers honored were: Sheriff Eugene Dickson Hubbard (End of Watch: January 21, 1910), Deputy Marshall Willis Washington Hemby (End of Watch: January 30, 1928), Deputy Sheriff Earl Nunnery (End of Watch: January 30, 1928), Constable Willis Bernice Herrington (End of Watch: April 13, 1951) Constable Wilson Charles Buffington (End of Watch: June 16, 1960) Deputy Sheriff William M. Grubbs (End of Watch: July 14, 1986), Deputy Sheriff James Boyakin Barnett (End of Watch: June 26, 1990), Sheriff Lloyd Silas Jones (End of Watch: October 4, 1995), and Sheriff E.C. Mullins (End of Watch: March 20, 2001).
Mullins and the crowd were equally overcome with emotion as they remembered the men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Taps was played by Ross Walton as everyone saluted in reverence of the officers’ end of watch.
A special tribute was given in the form of a song, “Way Maker,” sung in the officers’ honor by Deputy Courtney James.
Mullins thanked the family members of the fallen officers for attending the event, and promised that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
