Police Memorial
Remembering Our Fallen Four
We dedicate this page to the officers who gave
their lives in the performance of their duties
protecting the citizens of our city.
Killed In The Line Of Duty
March 09, 1952
Officer James Everett and Officer M.W. Vinson, Jr.
The Hattiesburg Police Department’s first tragedy was the murder of two young policemen. On the night of March 9, 1952, around 7:45 PM, the Sunday calm was shattered by the sound of pistol shots. Thus, began the story of the first officers of the Hattiesburg Police to die in the line of duty.
That night, Officers James Everett and M.W. Vinson, Jr. responded to a business burglary at Ace Weathers Motor Company located on North Main Street. After a quick search through the building, they ran outside and saw a car going by the Old Armory Building. Soon, a chase was initiated down Providence Street to West 7th Street then to North Street. Officer Everett was then able to overtake both subjects at the corner of North and West 7th Street. It was there where these two, fine officers gave their lives trying to protect the rights of the citizens of Hattiesburg.
In their honor, the Hattiesburg Police Department has been named after them.
Killed In The Line Of Duty
May 23, 1973
Sergeant David H. Anthony Sr.
On May 23, 1973, the Hattiesburg Police Department lost yet another officer in the line of duty.
At approximately 12:55 PM, the silent alarm at the Citizens Bank on Broadway Drive sounded at the dispatcher’s desk. Sergeant David Anthony, who was only four blocks away at the time, arrived first and parked his patrol car next to the curb, which was directly in front of the bank. As Sergeant Anthony was entering the double doors of the bank, two bank robbers rushed out of the door, knocking Sergeant Anthony to the sidewalk. As Sergeant Anthony struggled to regain a position of defense, he was fatally wounded by one of the robbers...
For his service and dedication to the citizens of Hattiesburg, the Leisure Park and Walking Trail at Kamper Park has been named in his honor.
Killed In the Line Of Duty
December 31, 1984
Sergeant Jackie Dole Sherrill
On December 31, 1984, around 5:00 PM, Sergeant Jackie Dole Sherrill lost her life serving the citizens of Hattiesburg.
Sergeant Sherrill, along with other officers, was attempting to serve a felony warrant on Eastside Avenue. A struggle ensued and Sergeant Sherrill was fatally wounded with another officer's weapon.
Prior to her law enforcement career, in May of 1973, Sergeant Sherrill was the first woman to graduate from the School of Criminal Justice at the University of Southern Mississippi. She then became the first woman police officer for the Hattiesburg Police Department in May of 1974. Furthermore, in July of 1983, Sergeant Sherrill made history as she became the first female to serve in the Hattiesburg Police Department’s Detectives Division.
Detective Sherrill, the first female law enforcement officer in the State of Mississippi to be killed in the line of duty, touched many lives and for her bravery and commitment, the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center has been named in her honor.
