Duty, not pay, drives CPD officer

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus Police Department promoted three officers at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

One sergeant was promoted to lieutenant and two corporals were promoted to sergeant.

The officers decided to take on more responsibility and a higher ranking without any increase in salary.

One particular officer said it’s not about the money, but rather the community she protects and serves.

Sgt. Amanda Burrell dreamed of becoming a police officer ever since she was a little girl.

“I remember ‘In The Heat Of The Night.’ That was my favorite show. I did not know until I started watching that show that women could be police officers. I knew from the time I was five years old that this is what my calling was,” said Burrell.

Now, she has almost 19 years of experience under her belt and a promotion from corporal to sergeant.

“There will be a lot more responsibility. They’ll be responsible for the whole shift and activities that go on while they’re there. They’ll be making executive decisions in my absence,” said Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton.

Typically, with more responsibility comes more pay; however, the current budget doesn’t allow for any pay increases for CPD officers. Sgt. Burrell doesn’t seem to mind.

“The pay thing, that’s okay. I want to help people. I want to make a difference. I want to be that positive influence on that little girl that wants to be just like me,” said Burrell.

“That to me is outstanding, that they want to take this responsibility because again, it’s going to be more responsibility. It’s a lot more responsibility than they had, but they are stepping up to the plate. The other thing that’s going to be a benefit is that they’re gaining executive experience in this new position,” said Shelton.

Chief Shelton said promoting from within the department will have a positive impact.

“The community is getting three of their own. Three people that have worked their way up through the ranks that have a working knowledge of this community. That’s good. We didn’t have to go outside and get some people that didn’t know anything about this community, but these are homegrown supervisors that are part of this community,” said Shelton.

As for Sgt. Burrell, she’s got her eyes on the next step in her career.

“This is only the start for me. Hopefully, before I retire I can make lieutenant,” said Burrell.

Sgt. Burrell also said she only knows of one other woman in Columbus who has achieved the rank of lieutenant.