Moss Point Swears In New Police Chief, Art McClung

McClung has made it to the top, as Moss Point’s Police Chief that is, and as McClung was sworn in Thursday night, family, friends, and co-workers shared memories of McClung’s life and work in law enforcement. Ken North, retired Director of Investigations for the Mississippi Department of Corrections, says, "We’ve been through many suspect doors together, many fugitive hunts, and as Chief over here said earlier, ‘There’s nobody else I wanted by my side than that man right there.’"

Breaking down at points, McClung remembered growing up in Detroit and losing his mother at just 9 years old. McClung says, "Some days I thought it was too hard on me growing up in Detroit, but if it wasn’t hard on me, I wouldn’t be here."

McClung persevered, serving in the military and working as an officer in Columbus and Pearl, Mississippi before moving to Moss Point. Those who worked with McClung had words of advice for him Thursday night. Frank Nichols, Chief of Police for the Starkville Police Department, says, "We’ve both served time in the military, we’ve gone through a lot of leadership training, and we know all the different leadership styles, but there isn’t but one, by example. Lead by example."

Those who have worked with McClung say his character will be a good example for all officers and residents of Moss Point.

North closes, "Brave, very courageous, full of integrity, a loving brother, a loving father and husband."