MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Meridian police officers spent part of Tuesday serving meals to those in need at Love’s Kitchen, continuing a tradition that honors the memory of fallen Officer Kennis Winston Croom on the fourth anniversary of his line-of-duty death.
The volunteer event, held June 9, was the second tribute of the day dedicated to Croom, who was killed while responding to a domestic violence call on June 9, 2022. Earlier in the day, officers, first responders and family members gathered at the Meridian Police Department for a memorial ceremony that included the playing of “Taps” and a motorcade along Kennis W. Croom Street, named in his honor.
At Love’s Kitchen, officers served meals with what they jokingly called “Croom Size” portions — a reference to one of Croom’s volunteer appearances at the community kitchen.
According to fellow officers, the nickname stems from a time when Croom was helping serve meals and was told he was giving out portions that were too large.
Capt. Chanetta Stevens, who leads the Meridian Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Division, said the lighthearted story reflects Croom’s generous personality and desire to help others.
“He was stern. He loved being a police officer, he did. He loved his co-workers, he loved his children, he loved his family,” Stevens said. “We would give each other the blues a lot of days, but that made the work relationship fun. You have to have fun at work, especially with this job that we do.”
Stevens described Croom as a dedicated officer who never hesitated to help others.
“He was a dedicated officer. He would help anybody that he could help,” she said. “Advice — he loved talking to young kids and giving some type of advice, especially when he felt there was a need or lack of influence in the home.”
As officers reflected on Croom’s legacy, Stevens also spoke about the dangers law enforcement officers face every day and the lessons learned from his death.
“When you go to a call, you don’t think that this is going to be your last call,” Stevens said. “When you wake up in the morning and put your clothes on, you don’t think that today is going to be my last day — nobody does.”
Stevens said Croom responded to the call that ultimately claimed his life the same way he approached every call for service.
“So, for him to go, not knowing, he’s just doing what he did every day,” she said. “He served and he answered the call like he would answer any other call.”
She said officers must remain alert during every encounter because situations can change in an instant.
“The biggest thing, I think, as far as law enforcement goes, is be more vigilant when you go into these calls,” Stevens said. “Pay attention. You never know what somebody’s thinking. You never know what’s on their mind, and how bad they’re willing to stay alive or not go to jail.”
For those who knew him best, Tuesday’s volunteer effort served as a fitting tribute to a man remembered for his service, generosity and commitment to helping others.
By serving meals in the community he protected, officers said they were carrying on the spirit of a colleague whose legacy continues to inspire those who worked alongside him and the people of Meridian he dedicated his life to serving.
