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Seatbelt AwardsOfficers Honored for Seatbelt Enforcement
For Immediate Release Hattiesburg, MS ∙ February 18, 2010
Chief Frazier Bolton and members of the Hattiesburg Police Department are extending a round of applause to three of their very own who were honored by state officials for their enforcement of seatbelt safety. On Wednesday, February 17, 2010, HPD Officers Vincent Brown, Cardin Dolison and Jason Pitts were recognized by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at its annual state wide awards luncheon which recognizes the efforts of individual law enforcement officers in the enforcement of the state’s seatbelt laws. Officer Brown, a member of the traffic division, not only led the way with 575 seatbelt citations written during the 2009 calendar year, but also issued a massive number of 79 citations for child restraint violations. Meanwhile, Officer Dolison, who serves on the department’s Crime Suppression Team, issued 175 seatbelt citations and former DUI Officer and current patrolman Officer Pitts completed the trio’s success after issuing 121. HPD Captain Ricky Myers, who accompanied the officers to the luncheon in Jackson, praised the officers’ hard work. “Many lives have been saved thanks to officers like Brown, Dolison and Pitts. Our goal is for people to know that as police officers, we are concerned about their safety, therefore we want them to be buckled up; after all, it is the law and it cost nothing to wear a seatbelt, but it sure can cost your life if you don't buckle up,” he said. According to Myers, the department in its entirety issued approximately over 2,000 seatbelt citations in 2009. Again, congratulations to Officers Brown, Dolison and Pitts on a job well done! |
Christmas Day ProjectLocal Agencies Join Forces and Distribute Toys for Christmas
For Immediate Release Hattiesburg, MS ∙ December 25, 2010
Representatives with the Hudson’s Salvage, LLC, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office and Hattiesburg Police Department made Christmas a little brighter for some local children as they spent delivering toys throughout the city.
On Christmas morning, Saturday, December 25, 2010, two truckloads carrying approximately 5,000 toys were escorted by police as the toys were distributed amongst children living in three apartment complexes.
“This year’s gift giveaway was the first of its kind for all three agencies, collaboratively, and the goal was to give children some hope during the holiday season,” said Sgt. Allen Murray of the Hattiesburg Police Department.
Officer Michael Sumner carries a box for an elderly resident
HPD Ball 2010Men and Women in Blue Walk the Red Carpet at Policeman’s Ball 2010
For Immediate Release Hattiesburg, MS ∙ February 22, 2010 The ladies and gentlemen of the Hattiesburg Police Department walked the red carpet wearing their tuxedos, suits and stunning formal gowns for one of the most exciting dates listed on their 2010 departmental calendar- the annual policeman’s ball. This prominent event, chaired by HPD’s Office Manager Tammy Leggett, was held at the Hattiesburg Convention Center on Saturday, February 13, 2010. With a decrease in crime over the past few weeks, this event allowed the hardworking officers and civilians, along with their spouses and friends, the chance to relax and let down their hair while enjoying musical entertainment from Mr. Charles Carter, an exceptional Hattiesburg musician. With over 200 attendees, the night included a dinner, a silent auction and of course, DANCING. “What a blast…it was a dazzling night and knowing that we have had a reduction in crime made this night even better. My hat goes off to Tammy and the ball committee for organizing such a beautiful event and I appreciate everyone who came out and made this night so special,” commented Chief Frazier Bolton. For more photos, see photo gallery
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HPD Dispatch WeekHattiesburg Police Department to observe National Telecommunications Week
For Immediate Release Hattiesburg, MS ∙ April 25, 2010 “…..911, what and where is your emergency?” When people need help and dial 911, they expect to receive immediate assistance from the person on the other end of the line, the dispatcher. They (dispatchers) are projected to make the correct decisions within a few seconds and are also challenged to remain calm while handling intense calls. In addition, dispatchers often remain nameless and faceless to callers and are considered the heart of any agency. For their service, the Hattiesburg Police Department took time to honor its own dispatchers during National Telecommunications Week, which was April 12-16, 2010. On Tuesday, April 23, 2010, the sixteen dispatchers and their division manager, along with two of the agency’s teleservice employees were given an appreciation luncheon at noon at the police department. A local restaurant, Mugshots, provided catering services and each honoree received a departmental gift. After distributing several notable awards, the day concluded with the cutting of the cake and a tour of the new dispatch center. “Many people don’t realize just how important dispatchers are in emergency situations. They work under a lot of pressure, receiving hectic calls and helping to save countless lives, so for their hard work, we salute them. We are thankful for what they do each time they answer a 911 call,” said Major Billy Lane, the overseer of the department’s Direct Support Bureau.
Division Manager Gary Hudson DUI AwardsFour Hattiesburg Police Officers Honored for DUI Enforcement
For Immediate Release Hattiesburg, MS ∙ May 17, 2010 Chief Frazier Bolton and members of the Hattiesburg Police Department are extending a round of applause to four of their very own who were honored by state officials for their enforcement of driving under the influence. On Friday, May 14, 2010, HPD Officers Roderick Allen, Jennifer Bass, Kevin Cline and Jason Pitts were recognized by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at its annual state-wide awards luncheon which recognizes the efforts of individual law enforcement officers in the enforcement of the state’s crackdown on drunken drivers. Officer Allen, one of the two current DUI Enforcement Officers with HPD, was recognized for his 101 DUI arrests made during the 2009 calendar year and was inducted into the DUI 100 Club, while Officer Bass, a former DUI officer who currently serves as a detective, received Honorable Mention for her efforts in accumulating sixty arrests of drunken drivers. Meanwhile, Officer Cline, also a former DUI officer, was credited for his 178 DUI arrests which, too, placed him in the DUI 100 Club. Lastly, Officer Pitts, who served as a DUI officer, took home top honors as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) presented him with the Top DUI Police Officer Award for his astounding total of 324 DUI arrests made in 2009. Pitts’ numbers landed him in the DUI 300 Club and his arrests were the second highest in the state. HPD Captain Ricky Myers, who accompanied the officers to the luncheon in Jackson, praised the officers’ hard work. “Many lives have been saved thanks to officers like Allen, Bass, Cline and Pitts. Our goal is for people to know that as police officers, we are concerned about their safety, therefore we want them to not drive while under the influence; after all, it is the law and we are doing our job of enforcing what the laws say,” he said. Again, congratulations to Officers Allen, Bass, Cline and Pitts on a job well done! |
