The eight policemen and deputies from Marion County who have given their lives in the line of duty are now driving on “God’s interstate of eternity,” the guest speaker at the Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony said Thursday.
“No longer will they have to worry about potholes; the new interstate is paved in gold. No longer will they have to worry about animals crossing out in front of them; on the new interstate they can see as far as the human eye. No longer will they have to worry about road rage; on the new interstate all the drivers are saints,” Lt. Col. Thomas Tuggle said.
The veteran state trooper, who is director of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy, gave an impassioned speech about the sacrifices of those heroes and the importance of supporting police.
Then Columbia Police Chief Michael Kelly and Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall passed out U.S. flags and roses to families of fallen officers who gathered in front of the courthouse on a bright, clear morning.
The CPD’s Explorer Post 6 posted the colors, and bagpiper Matthew Beall played somber songs of reflection. Mayor Justin McKenzie welcomed the crowd, and the Rev. Terry Weems of New Life Fellowship Church prayed.
The Columbia High School Choir sang, and Police Lt. Davey Bass and Chief Deputy Jamie Singley did a wreath presentation. The CPD and MCSO’s Joint Honor Guard did the firing of the volley, and Capt. Amanda Woods of the Mississippi Army National Guard played “Taps.”
Chaplain Ryan Freeman gave the closing prayer.
Before that, Tuggle praised each of the fallen officers as leaders.
“Their sacrifices inspired us to dream, learn, do and become more,” he said.
The 49-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran also touched on points affecting officers, including adequate pay and an anti-police sentiment in society.
“In the past few years, we have been the focus of many accusations and investigations that we often perceive as being unfair. We have found it necessary to defend ourselves from broad-based charges of racism, bias and unfair enforcement of the law,” Tuggle said. “I am confident that despite the many questions how we perform our professional duties, the majority of the people truly believe in and support us not only for the job we do but for what we represent. We represent the spirit and the success of a democracy. Without law and order, our country is destined for anarchy.”
He also shared a story about how an acquaintance asked him what he did at a Memphis Grizzlies game, and Tuggle told him he was a janitor because he wanted to enjoy the game and not talk at length about being a highway patrolman. After his wife challenged him about that on the way home, Tuggle said he had been telling the truth.
“I am a janitor. I deal with the criminal element in society that refuses to acknowledge remorse and rehabilitation, the part of our society that other people don’t want to deal with. Yes, I’m not ashamed to call that element trash/garbage,” he said. “I have learned that educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
“Your cop killers, your drug dealers, your kidnappers, pedophiles, your terrorists: They call me in to take that trash out. I am the cleaner picker upper, and I don’t go by the name of ‘Bounty.’ I have been a janitor for 27 years,” he said.
He said they represent the “top tier of executives in the custodial profession” and must set the example for the young workers joining the ranks.
“We have to explain to them that just because some garbage carries a strong odor, we still have to handle it with care. We must follow the guidelines for proper disposal. We can’t afford to kick it, burn it, ignore it because we are sworn by the janitor’s creed: ‘To protect and serve.’”
Caption: Lt. Col. Thomas Tuggle, director of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy, speaks during the Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Ceremony Thursday outside the Marion County Courthouse. He praised the eight officers from this county who have died in the line of duty as heroes and urged support for police.
