The community is paying tribute to Meridian Police Officer Kennis Croom, who was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance last Thursday.

Croom’s patrol cruiser is parked in front of the Meridian Police Station and is covered with flowers and notes of encouragement, and a flag honoring Croom hangs at the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday, Gov. Tate Reeves declared June 16 a day of mourning and directed all flags to be flown at half-staff.

The community is also remembering Brittany Jones, who was killed in the shooting that claimed the life of Officer Croom. A balloon release for Jones is planned for 1 p.m. Thursday at North Pointe Health at 211 Windmill Dr. Meridian.

In a letter posted on Facebook, Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie reflected on Officer Croom’s service.

“As sheriff of Lauderdale County, I’ve had the privilege of employing many men and women over the past 27 years,” Sollie wrote.

“On occasion, we come in contact with someone who excels in being a special human. As a deputy, Kennis Croom was such a person. I’ve taken the time to reflect back to June 9, 2022 (End of Watch) and reviewed my daily devotion for that date. It’s theme for that date is 1 Kings 3:10-12 NLT: The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing sty people With justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies- I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have”

“We as a society, often question why we lose the good men and women of law enforcement,” Sollie added. “We must never question the plan that is in place for each of us by God! Rest easy Officer Kennis Croom. You were a good man.”

A public memorial service for Officer Croom is planned for 1 p.m. Thursday at the Meridian High School Gymnasium. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. 

The service will be followed Friday by a viewing from noon to 4 p.m. at Northport Funeral & Cremation Services in Northport, Alabama. On Saturday, a celebration of life will be held at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The body will lie in state from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the service will begin at 1 p.m.

Internment will be in Memorial Hill Gardens, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, in Tuscaloosa.

In lieu of flowers, the Croom family asks donations be made in honor of Officer Croom to The Croom Foundation, www.thecroomfoundation.com. An account for donations has also been set up locally at Meridian Mutual Federal Credit Union, 809 26th Ave., under the name Officer Kennis Croom.