Biloxi Police Department honors fallen officers

As National Police Week continues, South Mississippi law enforcement agencies continue to honor those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Outside the Biloxi Police Department, first responders and community members gathered as a way to keep the memory of five Biloxi officers alive.

The sounds of bagpipes filled the morning air Wednesday at Biloxi Police Headquarters. Chief John Miller said, “This is an opportunity for us to show some respect to the officers that have given their lives for our community and their families and that we don’t forget the sacrifices that officers have made.”

The department is honoring five of its fallen officers, the most recent line of duty death was Officer Robert McKeithen five years ago.

No matter the year, the grief is still fresh for the family of Officer David Higginbotham. He lost his life in 1972. Officer Higginbotham’s niece Lisa Richardson said, “He loved me like his own little daughter. I remember that. So, yeah, there’s just great memories. My memories, a lot of my memories come from my parents and the stories that they have told me. I just hate that I didn’t get to know him.”

Office Higginbotham’s sister Carol Beaulier said, “This keeps not only Davey’s memory, but all the police officer’s memory in everybody’s minds.”

Law enforcement officers from other agencies were also recognized and remembered at today’s event. Sgt. Steven Morgan of Long Beach was killed in the line of duty in 1998 on a domestic violence call. Deputy Marshal Robert Hammers lost his life when trying to stop a bank robbery in 1934 in Clearwater, Kansas. Deputy Marshal Hammer’s granddaughter Brenda Rolison said, “When he found out that my grandfather was killed in the line of duty, he sent the invitation and that was quite the honor after all these years that they still honor the fallen and I’m very grateful.”

Family members and officers say remembrance ceremonies like this one helps to change the stigma of police enforcement in communities’ and honor those who gave their life in service to those communities. “Instead of looking at them as somebody that can hurt you, they’re there to protect you. That’s what drives them. That’s why they do what they do and they sacrifice their lives every day for us.”

Chief Miller said, “A lot of communities don’t have that. We’re glad to have it here. These are very respectful communities here and law enforcement officers still hold a special place for most people in this community. We appreciate that very much.”