MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Meridian Exchange Club recognized several local law enforcement officers Tuesday during its annual law enforcement appreciation banquet.
The event was held at Red Lobster in Meridian, where officers from the Meridian Police Department, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol were honored.
“Each year we have a law enforcement appreciation banquet,” said Ken Richardson, president of the Meridian Exchange Club. “We recognize an officer with the City of Meridian Police, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, and someone from the Highway Patrol as our candidate of the year.”
Richardson said the Exchange Club was founded in 1921 and has hosted the awards ceremony for decades.
“I think it’s important to recognize our officers. They perform a very important service to our community, and it’s important that we recognize them for a job well done,” Richardson said.
Lt. Joe Mercado was named the 2025 Officer of the Year for the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department for outstanding service to the citizens of the community. Chameria Washington received the 2025 Officer of the Year award for the Meridian Police Department, and Trooper Ryan Evans, R-36, was honored as the 2025 Officer of the Year for Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop H.
Organizers said the annual banquet serves as a way to show appreciation for the dedication and commitment of local and state law enforcement officers.
