Name: Steven D. Jackson

Age: 45.

Job Title/Department: Corporal/Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Years as a trooper? 9.5.

Why did you choose to become a trooper? To be honest I didn’t choose to become a trooper, being a trooper chose me. Helping people and trying to make a difference in the lives of people is a passion of mine. It was a part of every aspect of my life (my home life, my church life), but something was missing. Tragedy struck our community when a young soldier was killed overseas. This young man was previously part of our church youth group, and was also a part of the Highway Patrol family. During this time I witnessed something that would change my life forever. The MHP brotherhood that stood strong to support each other during that time drew me to it. The more I learned about the Mississippi Highway Patrol, I realized this was the missing piece in my life, and I had to be part of it.

Do you have any family members in the field? There are no family members that have been in this line of duty. I come from factory workers and construction background. This was a big change in my life, but my family is amazing and supports me.

What has been your most gratifying experience as a trooper? There are many times of gratification that I could mention from helping our state and other states regain communities after storms, to tracking down and locating lost or kidnapped children. Just recently I had someone to share with me that a lady decided to put her seat belt on one morning, because she knew she would see me on her way to work, and I had written her a seatbelt citation a few weeks before. That very morning her car and an 18 wheeler collided, the lady and the hospital physicians both acknowledged because she had her seat belt on her life was spared. I know this is something we as troopers do every day, but to hear someone recognize that our efforts helped keep them safe and possibly saved a life is gratifying.

Would you encourage one of your children to pursue a career as a trooper? The way we raise our children, is we support their passions and ambitions. Neither of my children at this point shows an interest in law enforcement, but at any time they do, I would definitely support them.

What would you have done if you had not become a trooper? I am unlike some troopers in the fact that I didn’t start out in law enforcement. I was 36 years old when I began this path of a Mississippi State Trooper. I was in construction before, so I would probably still be in that field.

When not working, what are your interests? My wife of 20 years, Mona, and I love spending time with our family by supporting our son, Seth, in sports and our daughter, Savannah, in music. We love to hunt, fish, watch movies, and play badminton.

Tell us something about you people would be surprised to learn? I am transparent in most things, but I guess people may be surprised to know that I enjoy singing in the church choir and carry on a family tradition by playing the guitar with family and friends.