D’Iberville police chief Wayne Payne calls it a career after four decades

The Payne name is synonymous with law enforcement in South Mississippi.

And after four decades in uniform, Wayne Payne is calling it a career.

The D’Iberville Police Chief announced his decision to retire, effective March 11, on Monday afternoon.

Payne became chief of police for D’Iberville in 2007 after a career that spanned stints in Long Beach, Gulfport and Harrison County.

“When given the opportunity to be the first Chief of Police for the City of D’Iberville, I accepted the position with excitement, knowing the challenges would further strengthen my knowledge and leadership skills,” Payne said in a statement. “While this is a very emotional time for me and my family, I feel it is the right time to retire and allow a new chief to lead the men and women of this great department. I leave with many fond memories of my 47 years in public safety, the last 14 with the City of D’Iberville.”

“Chief Payne created the D’Iberville Police Department from the ground up, designing the police vehicles, police department patch, badge and establishing policies and procedures,” said City Manager Clay Jones.

“I know of no other person that could’ve accomplished what Chief Payne has done. I believe his true legacy lies with those fine officers we have today and those that have moved on to be leaders at other agencies throughout the State. Chief Payne has always been a cheerleader for those working to better themselves, myself included. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.”