James Rudd honored for years of service
Published 3:10 pm Friday, January 17, 2020
Retired Chief Deputy James Rudd was surprised with a Friday afternoon gathering at the Panola County Sheriff’s Department where new Sheriff Shane Phelps presented him with a plaque of appreciation for his years of service, and dozens of law enforcement officials were treated to a barbecue chicken lunch in his honor.
“Without James Rudd’s involvement in law enforcement in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and into the 2000s, this county would not be as successful as it is today,” Phelps said during the presentation. “James Rudd, we love you and we thank you. This is your home and you’re welcome here anytime.”
“You helped build this house, and we love you for it,” Phelps said, referring to the David M. Bryan Justice Complex, located on James Rudd Dr.
Phelps said shortly after winning the election he decided to honor Rudd, who hired him for an internship when he was attending Northwest Mississippi Community College. “I think I put some of those gray hairs on his head,” he said.
During the short ceremony, Phelps said the retired lawman taught young officers that law enforcement is much more than writing tickets and taking people to jail. “You can’t go anywhere in this county without hearing a James Rudd story. He was respected by all the people and races of this community.”
Phelps said he hopes the department can soon build a training facility, and has already purchased a plaque with Rudd’s name and badge number, P4, to hang outside the door.
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