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On an almost perfect weather night, the streets of Mendenhall were lined with people awaiting the arrival of the motorcade of area law enforcement signaling the beginning of the 2016 Fallen Officers Memorial Service. The Friday night event was held in memory of our fallen officers and in honor of all law enforcement officers.
One could hear the “parade” before seeing the parade…lights were flashing and sirens blaring as vehicles from all over the southern part of the state rounded the corner before beginning the climb up Main Street to the Courthouse where the program was held.
Everything about the ceremony was so impressive….law enforcement, two by two, marched in the street facing the court house. Seeing those men and women in shades of blue, standing at attention…gave me such a feeling of pride and security …knowing these people put their lives on the line for our freedom everyday.
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Simpson County Sheriff Donald O’Cain, Bubba Holifield, and Trea Staples spoke.
(Videos of the event appear on an additional page)
Below is the list of the fallen officers of Simpson County
Sheriff E. C. Mullins 
Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 20, 2001
Sheriff E. C. Mullins was killed after being overpowered by a man he was attempting to question.
He had responded to a disturbance call when the suspect apparently overpowered him, causing him to suffer a massive heart attack. The suspect then stole his cruiser, with the sheriff still inside. The suspect then drove to a service station, stole two cases of beer, and returned home. After locating the suspect, a SWAT team was able to take him into custody. Sheriff Mullins’ death was ruled a homicide.
On May 22, 2002, a judge ruled that the 21 year-old suspect was insane.
Sheriff Mullins was serving his second year as sheriff.
Sheriff 
Lloyd Silas Jones
Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Wednesday, October 4, 1995
Sheriff Jones and a jail trusty were shot and killed by a suspect in Sheriff Jones’ front yard. After two trials the suspect was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
Sheriff Jones had been sheriff for 19 years and is survived by his wife, three sons, and daughters.
Deputy Sheriff 
James Boyakin Barnett
Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Tuesday, June 26, 1990
Deputy Barnett was shot and killed while attempting assisting the sheriff and a Mt. Olive police officer make an arrest. Deputy Barnett was working an accident scene when he was informed that a man had set his house on fire during a domestic dispute. Deputy Barnett responded to the scene where he met the sheriff. When the two approached the suspect a struggle ensued and the suspect was able to gain control of the Mt. Olive officer’s service weapon.
The suspect shot all three officers, wounding the sheriff and Mt. Olive officer and fatally wounding Deputy Barnett. The man fled the scene but was arrested a short time later in Jeff Davis County.
Deputy Davis was survived by his wife.
Deputy Sheriff
William M. Grubbs
Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Monday, July 14, 1986
Deputy Grubbs was killed in an automobile accident while on duty.
Constable
Wilson Charles Buffington 
Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Thursday, June 16, 1960
Constable Buffington was shot and killed by a man who was angry with the constable for arresting him for public drunkenness a week earlier. The suspect was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life.
Constable
Willis Bernice Herrington
Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Friday, April 13, 1951
Constable Herrington was shot and killed while attempting to serve a writ on a man allowing seizure of a wagon on which 25 dollars was owed. When the man interfered Constable Herrington and his brother tried to arrest him. The man resisted, ran into his house, grabbed a shotgun and opened fire killing Constable Herrington instantly and seriously wounding his brother.
The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended two days later near Prentiss. He was convicted of murder and executed in the electric chair on July 25, 1952.
Deputy Sheriff
Earl Nunnery
Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Monday, January 30, 1928
Deputy Nunnery and Deputy Marshal Willis Hemby of the Magee Police Department were shot and killed by a man they were attempting to arrest on a minor charge.
The suspect was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and hanged on July 13, 1928.
Sheriff 
Eugene Dickson Hubbard
Simpson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Friday, January 21, 1910
Sheriff Eugene Hubbard was shot and killed by a man he was attempting to arrest who had barricaded himself in a house. Two other deputies were shot and wounded. The suspect was shot and killed.
Sheriff Hubbard is buried in Hopewell Cemetery in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi.
