Officers recognized at HPD's annual award ceremony
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) - The Hattiesburg Police Department recognized a few of its finest Friday during their annual awards ceremony at the Police Academy at Bobby Chain Airport.
Police Chief Anthony Parker said the awards are for their dedication and service throughout the year and hopes it gives them incentive to help accomplish their goals.
David Wynn II was awarded Officer of the Year and Whitney Harper was named Civilian Employee of the Year.
Wynn was honored for breaking up a multi-million dollar crime ring that was stealing credit card information at gas pumps. He was off duty at the time.
"It's truly an honor, like Chief Sealy said. It takes a team, we work as a team and I couldn't have done the stuff that I was able to accomplish by myself," Wynn said. "From the dispatchers putting the information out, to my back up arriving, to Lieutenant Rigsby being there with me that night, it was a team effort."
Wynn's father, former HPD Chief David Wynn, attended the ceremony to see his son recognized.
"It was an honor to have my dad here, he was instrumental in me becoming a police officer," Wynn said. "Pretty sure that I made him proud today. And I was proud that he was here to support me and has supported me in everything that I have ever done."
Officer Ray Walley was again honored for writing the most citations, with 2,363. Other honors included awards for officers that issued the most DUI's, most cash seized, most meth and cocaine seized, most felony arrests and most misdemeanor arrests.
A special presentation to the families of fallen officers Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate took place during the ceremony. They were given the officers' service weapon from the time of the end of their watch on May 9, 2015.
