Meridian police officers recognized at inaugural awards ceremony
Published 10:59 am Thursday, February 26, 2026
Law enforcement and officials from Meridian, Lauderdale County and the surrounding area took time Wednesday to recognize several Meridian police officers for their service to the community at Meridian Police Department’s inaugural awards ceremony at the Frank Cochran Center.
Officer First Class Chameria Washington, who was named Officer of the Year, speaks briefly Wednesday at Meridian Police Department’s inaugural awards ceremony. Photo by Thomas Howard
Assistant Police Chief Patrick Gale said law enforcement is not an easy job, and officers miss out on birthdays, holidays and other special events in order to protect the community. Meridian officers, he said, are diligent, hardworking and committed to making their city a safer place.
Chief Administrative Officer Craig Hitt said several ride-along trips with MPD years ago impressed upon him the courage and commitment needed for a career in law enforcement.
“I realize pretty quick those dark streets and those dark places that you get out and talk to folks and investigate the situations, I wasn’t put here for that,” he said. “But I appreciate that the Lord put you here to play that role and to be a part of this team that keeps Meridian safe.”
Hitt said Meridian is changing and new opportunities are coming to the city. Police officers are part of the reason for that change.
“The work that you’re doing is going to make our future even brighter because people are noticing the changes that are taking place, and they are willing to consider coming to Meridian, bringing their businesses, bringing their families, and that helps us all in the long run as we continue to grow,” he said.
Police Chief Malachi Sanders said Meridian has some fantastic police officers, and those officers are supported by a host of civilian personnel at MPD, city leadership, elected officials and people in the community. The success of the police department is not the work of one person, he said, and everyone who supports MPD deserves thanks.
“It’s not about me. It’s about the team. It’s about the Super Bowl, continuous winning team from the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Department, Marion PD, all of our law enforcement partners, all of our support personnel, our City Council, everybody that plays a part in supporting not just Meridian PD but law enforcement,” he said. “Our director over Animal Control, everybody that’s here and everybody in the community that supports Meridian PD, we, as a team, thank you.”
Officers receiving awards include:
Most DUI & Traffic Citations
— Sgt. Nathaniel Heild
Most Marijuana & Meth Arrests
—Sgt. Cameron Moody
Most Felony Arrests
— Master Sgt. Ricky Robinson
Distinguished Service Award
— Sgt. Ishay Naylor
— Cpl. Matthew Atchison
— Master Sgt. Crystin Reve-Latta
— Sgt. David “DP” McQueen
Meritorious Service Award
— Karen Cowden
— Dr. Shaniqua Anderson
— Master Sgt. Vernice Haddox
— Sgt. Kennis Croom
Valor Award
— Officer First Class James Wiggins II
— Sgt. Kennis Croom
Civilian of the Year
— Liddell Smith
Officer of the Year
— Officer First Class Chameria Washington
