Exchange Club recognizes LEOs of the year
Published 9:00 am Saturday, February 22, 2025
Meridian Police Officer James Wiggins II was recognized Tuesday as Officer of the Year by the Meridian Exchange Club at the club’s annual law enforcement appreciation luncheon. Pictured, from left, are Assistant Police Chief Patrick Gale, Officer Wiggins, Police Chief Deborah Naylor-Young and Acting Capt. Dareall Thompson. Submitted Photo
The Meridian Exchange Club law enforcement appreciation luncheon was held Tuesday at Red Lobster restaurant where the the sheriff’s deputy, highway patrolman, and police officer of the year were honored for their service and received plaques in recognition of their selection.
The sheriff deputy of the year was presented by Sheriff Ward Calhoun to Lt. Kevin Richardson. Richardson is a 1984 graduate of Covington Louisiana High School. He’ married to Sedyia and is a proud father of two children and six grandchildren. He’s an honorably retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer and been employed with Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department since Dec. 29, 2008 as a deputy sheriff. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in October 2020 and promoted to the rank of lieutenant in August 2022. Sheriff Calhoun said Richardson is thorough, compassionate and a man of his word.
The highway patrol officer of the year is Trooper Brandon Sullivan, and he was presented by Mississippi Highway Patrol’s Lt. Leo Clemons. Sullivan was born and grew up in Lake and graduated from Lake High School in 2016. He came to the highway patrol in 2021. Sullivan wears many hats in addition to his duties as a trooper including serving as a member of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol motorcycle team and as an escort the USM football team throughout the country.
The Meridian police officer of the year is Officer First Class James Wiggins II. Wiggins graduated from graduated from Meridian Community College in December 2023 and started as an officer at Meridian Police Department in October 2023. He’s currently on target to graduate from the University of West Alabama later this year majoring in public safety.
Police Chief Deborah Young presented the plaque to Officer Wiggins and stated that even though he is a young officer, he exhibits the dedication and resolve of an outstanding police officer.
The Meridian Exchange Club has honored law enforcement in the community in this way for more than 60 years. The club is proud to be able to thank law enforcement officers for their dedication and service to our community.
