Meridian police and firefighters were recognized Tuesday as city officials praised their efforts to keep Queen City residents safe.

 

Mayor Jimmie Smith said both departments work hard and do a good job, and the city needs to recognize the work they are doing.

 

“I want to compliment our police department and fire department,” he said. “They both are doing outstanding jobs in our community, and I don’t think we give them enough praise. So today I want to thank all of them.”

 

Some Meridian residents have voiced criticism about the police department’s response to incidents throughout the city, Smith said, but from what he has seen, the officers are doing their jobs well.

 

“The general public does talk about how they may not be responding appropriately, and I saw a film today, and I saw our police department do a fantastic job,” he said. “I can’t comment on it any further than that, but I’m telling you, we are undermanned as far as police go, and out police department is doing a heck of a job.”

 

Police Chief Deborah Naylor Young said MPD is growing, and an additional three officers graduated Thursday from the law enforcement academy at Camp Shelby. Another five candidates were set to take the test to see if they qualify to join the police department Friday.

 

“We are rebuilding Meridian Police Department,” she said. “It’s going to take time still, but we are getting people that’s applying and that’s graduating our academies.”

 

City Councilman Joe Norwood Jr. said he also wants to recognize MPD’s efforts, in particular the efforts of four officers. Officers Tru Gibbs,  Nathaniel Hield and Casey Vanderslice, along with Corp. Michael Henrick, responded to a lost child incident Monday night, he said, and they demonstrated behavior that showed their dedication to the community.

 

“They did a great job. It was the true definition of protecting and serving,” he said. “They stayed with the kid, kept him calm, played with him until the mother could get to them.”

 

Young said the four officers are recent additions to Meridian’s police force. Three of them were lateral hires, and one was a seasoned officer.

 

“I think they did an awesome coming in and showing the community how much they care,” she said.

 

Meridian’s police officers work diligently to keep the public safe, with many voluntarily working overtime hours during the busy holiday season, Young said, and their efforts do not go unnoticed.

 

“I’m proud of all my officers,” Young said.