Three local law enforcement officers were honored by the Meridian Exchange Club Tuesday during a luncheon as recipients of the Raymond P. Davis Crime Prevention Awards. Those honored were, from left, Meridian Police Department Sr. Patrol Officer Patrick Gale, Mississippi Highway Patrolman Cpl. Jason Jimison, and Lauderdale County Dep. Brandon Harper.

    Maj. Raymond Delk, deputy director of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, understands law enforcement very well.

    Since the first time he strapped on a gun and a badge in Wayne County, Delk has realized that being in law enforcement is much more than a job — it is a career choice that many take on despite the risks they face every day.

    Delk was the guest speaker at the annual Raymond P. Davis Crime Prevention award ceremony sponsored by the Meridian Exchange Club. Three officers, one each from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Meridian Police Department and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, were honored for their work in the past year. Delk commended the officers for their diligence and work ethic, and the civic organization for recognizing them in their efforts to keep the peace.

    “Every day these officers and thousands of others around the state leave their homes not knowing if they will return,” said Delk. “It is really great to see the general public recognizing this fact and their work to make our homes and neighborhoods a better and safer place to live.”

    This year’s recipients were Cpl. Jason Jimison with the MHP Troop H, Sr. Patrol Officer Patrick Gale of the MPD and Lauderdale County Dep. Brandon Harper.

    “We have a lot of deserving men who work for the sheriff’s department and to be named to this year’s Officer of the Year is truly an honor,” said Harper.”

    The Raymond P. Davis Crime Prevention Award is named in honor of Davis who was a past Lauderdale County Circuit Court clerk, sheriff and constable. Each officer is voted on by his peers from his agency.    

    “Mr. Harper represents the future of county law enforcement officers,” said Sheriff Billy Sollie. “Deputies in the future will be better educated and highly self motivated as he is.”

    MPD Chief Lee Shelbourn said Gale is indicative of the kinds of officers that make up the backbone of the department praising his high work ethic and dedication to the force.

    But MHP Troop H Commander, Capt. Billy Mayes could have been speaking of all three men when he said of Jimison, “He’s a model law enforcement officer and is well respected as a man as well as an officer.”