Mississippi’s first Black sheriff in the modern era has passed away at the age of 79.
The Claiborne County Sheriff’s announced the passing of Frank Davis on Monday. Davis was a key figure in Claiborne County and Mississippi history after becoming the first Black sheriff elected in the state post-Reconstruction in 1979. The longtime law enforcement official also served as president of the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association from 2000 to 2001, becoming the first African American to hold that position.
Davis was the southwest Mississippi county’s sheriff from 1979 until 2012 and again from 2016 until 19, when he retired.
“These were not simply titles or accolades. They represented barriers broken, doors opened, and a lifetime committed to public service,” an official statement from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office said. “Sheriff Davis demonstrated that a sheriff from Claiborne County could make an impact not only locally, but throughout the State of Mississippi and the law enforcement profession.”
Additionally, Davis was a founding father of the Mississippi chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and served as its president in 1990.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and the entire Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department, I extend my deepest condolences to the Davis family. We honor his many years of service, his historic accomplishments, and the contributions he made to Claiborne County and the State of Mississippi,” Claiborne County Sheriff Edward Goods, Sr. said. “Rest in peace, Sheriff Frank Davis. Your service made history, your accomplishments opened doors, and your legacy will forever be a part of Claiborne County.”
