Rank ‘n’ file doing the job in Jackson
The name Barry Hale isn’t a household word in the Capital City, like Robert Moore, Jackson’s police chief, or Harvey Johnson, the mayor. But the Precinct 4 Jackson policeman had a deserved moment in the limelight last week.
Hale was honored Friday as Officer of the Year by the Jackson Police Department, cited for single-handedly putting eight suspects in jail after a January shootout.
Precinct 2 officer Josh Cagle received the Project Safe Neighborhood Leaders Award, for community work.
Another officer was honored by his absence: Thomas Catchings, killed in the line of duty March 17.
His widow, Yolanda, was honored for her sacrifice.
The men and women who work with dedication and selfless service day in and day out to keep Jackson safe usually don’t receive the headlines, unless one is shot at, hurt, or killed. The few bad cops get plenty of notice. The ones who do the work, the rank ‘n’ file, are “just” doing the job.
For this, they receive low pay, long hours, and get to risk their lives, maybe leave a spouse and children behind.
They deserve much more. But at least we say thanks.
When the moment of need comes, they’re all top cops.
Clarion Ledger Editorial
5/18/5
