Mississippi’s top first responders were recognized Thursday at a ceremony hosted by a myriad of state officials.
Gov. Tate Reeves, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell hosted a Public Safety Awards ceremony at the Sheraton Refuge in Flowood on Thursday to honor four public safety leaders who “have gone above and beyond to answer the call of duty.”
Reeves presented Brian Brock, a patrol sergeant with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, with the First Responder of the Year honor. He is responsible for risking his life by positioning his squad car in a position to absorb the blow of a speeding drunk driver’s vehicle on Interstate 269 to prevent other motorists from being hit.
“In Mississippi, we will always appreciate, support, and have the backs of our law enforcement officers, prosecutors, firefighters, and first responders,” Reeves said. “Sergeant Brock is a hero, and I was proud to present him with the First Responder of the Year Award. There’s no doubt that his bravery saved lives. He is a prime example of what it means to protect and serve.”
Proud to present the First Responder of the Year Award to DeSoto County Patrol Sergeant Brian Brock.
Sergeant Brock risked his own life to stop a drunk driver racing nearly 100 mph the wrong way down I-269.
His heroic actions saved lives! pic.twitter.com/jBT9dxaNqa
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) May 29, 2025
Later in the ceremony, Fitch handed Assistant District Attorney Jasmine Magee of the state’s 2nd Judicial District with the Prosecutor of the Year Award. Madison Police Department investigator Lee Sanders was presented the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year honor by Tindell.
Lastly, Pearl Fire Department Battalion Chief Allen Elliott was named the Firefighter of the Year by State Fire Coordinator Reed Abraham. Abraham filled in on behalf of State Fire Marshal Mike Cheney, who was unable to attend the ceremony.
