Video: Story Of TPD’s First African American Deputy Police Chief Comes To The Stage

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A stage production based on the story of the first African American deputy police chief for Tupelo premieres this weekend.

The play is called “Badge Unbroken.”  It is based on former Tupelo Deputy Police Chief Robert Hall, who is now a financial planner.

Hall initially resigned 10 years ago, after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges, in connection with his release of a hit and run suspect in May of 2006.

Hall was later re hired by former Tupelo Police Chief Tony Carleton, but had to resign a second time, when he was denied his law enforcement re certification. Eventually, all charges against hall were expunged by former DA Trent Kelly.

The play uses local talent, along with two professional actors for two of the principal roles, who are hopeful the production helps tell Hall’s story.

“The story of it being the true story, a lot of times there’s the truth, the other truth and what really happened and I think it’s very important for everybody to have a voice, so I think getting the truth out about this story is probably the most important thing,” said Joey Thurmond, who plays Lt Charlie Oxford.

“The same type of action, same type of story happens in the services, whether Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, so this is relateable across a broad spectrum,” said Cecil Henry, who plays Capt. John Barrow, the character that is based on Robert Hall.

Thurmond and Henry both have recurring roles in the CW series “Valor.”
“Badge Unbroken” takes place at the Tupelo Civic Auditorium at 7 pm Saturday .

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