Video: Retired Trooper Reflects on Time with Mississippi Highway Patrol

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STARKVILLE, Miss. – (WCBI) After 4-years in the United States Air Force, C.B. Mclemore, known to friends and family as Mac, returned home to George County in South Mississippi. That’s where he decided to join the Mississippi Highway Patrol. His application was accepted, and he was sent off for one month of training in 1946.

“Camp Shelby was the training place. I went down there in a ’36 Chevy.” says McLemore

He returned in a 1946 Ford, issued by the state.. He was assigned to the Batesville District. It wasn’t long before he was transferred to District 5, better known now as Troop G. In the 1950’s, patrol cars weren’t equipped with radios. Troopers would look for substations on the side of roads. They would check in with operators to see if you anyone was in need.. and one night. a voice on the other end of the phone caputured Mac’s attention. Her name was Marie.

“I was patrolling, and my wife was a telephone operator. It got wo where I made it a point to go eat right when I knew she was going to be there. And, I thought and still do, that the was the best move I ever made, was when I got her.”

They did marry and had three boys. And Mac continued his work as a patrolman during some of the most historic and dangerous times in the south. From to Hurricane Camille, Mac says he never feared for his safety.

“I don’t ever remember being afraid of having that job. I know that I can handle it. You just don’t weaken on that. You know you’ve got it under control.”

It was that fearless attitude and dedication that sent Mac climbing the ladder of success. He was named Inspector, the highest ranking officer in his district. Mac traded his red stripes for yellow. His silver for gold..and a name plate that few ever recieve.

“When I started doing that, I thought I was the king of the road. And in a district, that is the king of the road. I don’t think that made me better than anyone else.”

As a leader, Mac walked away from the highway patrol, 32-years and six months after driving to Camp Shelby in his ’36 Chevy. Now, at 94-years old, he is enjoying retirement from his home in Eupora, knowing that he dedicated his life to protecting and serving.

“There is no doubt in my mind, that I was probably one of the best highway patrolman out on that road.”

It is a legacy that lives on, in his old office, in his former station, and in the current generation of the Mississippi Highway Patrol.