MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department said goodbye to three longtime workers Monday. One deputy and two detention officers are retiring.
Coworkers gathered Monday afternoon at a reception for Deputy Bob Moody and Detention Officers Patricia Prince and Penny Jones. The event honored their years of service, according to a news release from Lauderdale County.
A deputy who “can do it all”
Sheriff Ward Calhoun said Moody has had a long and varied career. Along the way, he worked as a pilot and as a nurse.
“Bob can do it all,” Calhoun said. “But we hope that in your years to come that you have the opportunity to enjoy that r-word, retirement.”
Lt. Kevin Richardson also spoke about Moody. He said Moody was reliable. He added that Moody could be counted on to make sure the job got done right.
Two detention officers honored
Maj. Melissa McCarter runs the Lauderdale County Detention Center. She said the word reliable also fits Prince and Jones.
According to McCarter, the two women showed up every day and worked hard. They also did what was asked of them.
“These two ladies right here, anything you asked them to do, they did,” she said.
Besides doing their own jobs, both women cheered on others. They also lent a hand when needed. McCarter said Prince and Jones will be missed at the jail.
Sheriff says good workers keep things running
Calhoun said workers like Moody, Prince and Jones help the department run. He said their work means more than just logging hours. Like any group, the department needs good workers to carry out its mission.
“Folks like y’all are the bedrock to our organization. You’ve already heard it; they’re here at work, they’re dedicated, they’re doing the right thing, they’re making sure things get done,” he said. “And this organization, any organization, does not function well without great employees who do that, and so we say thank you.”
Five retirements in one month
Counting Monday’s three, the department is celebrating five retirements this month. Calhoun said that number is almost unheard of.
He said it is rare for sheriff’s departments to keep workers until they retire. So, he said, the steady staff in Lauderdale County shows the quality of its deputies, detention officers and support staff.
To learn more, visit the Sheriff’s Department website or call 601-482-9806.
