Published: July 15, 2009 06:41 pm      

PD receives sixth MML award

BILOXI — Six wins in a row for programs submitted to the Mississippi Municipal League is an achievement the Picayune Police Department accomplished Wednesday.

While this is the sixth award the department has won for the City of Picayune in as many years, this is actually the seventh time in a row that an MML award has been presented to the City of Picayune.

This is also Community Policing officer Monica Jacobsen’s third win in a row for a program that she has submitted to the contest. This year’s winning program is called the 911 Cell Phone program. Through the program senior citizens, domestic abuse victims and disabled citizens are provided with a cell phone free of charge. The cell phones could be used in emergency situations to call 911 for assistance, but can’t be used to make everyday calls.

At the MML conference in Biloxi on Wednesday, Chief Jim Luke, Deputy Chief David Ervin and Jacobsen were presented with the award for the winning program, which was in the Public Safety category for cities with a population of 10,000 or more.

Also during the luncheon former Mayor Greg Mitchell was inducted into the MML Hall of Fame for his 20 years of service to the city as mayor.

Outgoing MML president Knox W. Ross Jr. passed the gavel to the incoming president during the awards luncheon and gave a speech about the importance of councilmen and aldermen working together to get through these tough economic times, instead of succumbing to personal differences.

Award winners were picked by a panel of four judges who are not affiliated with the MML. Other cities that won awards include Tishimingo for its “100 Trees for the Next 100 years” program, Madison for its “Swing into Summer” program, Plantersville for its “Little Town that Could” program, Meridian for its “Meridian Greening” program, Caledonia for the construction of a skate park and Woodland won Best Overall for its “Little Town that Can” program.

Luke said he is proud of Jacobsen’s hard work in winning this year’s award and also the hard work and dedication of the entire police department. He said he appreciates the support of the city council, mayor and city manager.

“To win this award six times is unprecedented and a tribute to the mayor, council, city manager and citizens of Picayune,” Luke said.

Jacobsen said the 911 Cell Phone program is ongoing and is a great way for senior citizens and domestic violence victims to stay safe. She said that if a senior citizen, domestic violence victim or disabled person needs a cell phone through the program, she can be reached at the Picayune Police Department at 601-798-7411 ext. 108.

Anyone willing to donate an unused cell phone to the program can reach Jacobsen at the same number.