Columbus police officers reflect on job after receiving commendation

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – You see these types of posts quite often on social media. A post of police officers caught doing an act of kindness. But oftentimes that’s as far as the recognition goes.

Recently three Columbus Police officers were handed commendation awards. A letter written to Chief Shelton from a Columbus resident is shining a bright light on the dedication of those behind the badge at the Columbus Police Department.

Partners in the field, Patrolmen Madison and Burns were born to protect and serve.

“I got into this profession to make a difference. To protect those who can’t protect themselves. I just wanted to have a sense of purpose. Each and every day I clock into work every day and hopefully, in someone’s life I can make that difference,” said Patrolmen Darnell Madison.

A few weeks back the men were on the scene of a fender bender on Highway 45 near the old Rite Aid. A lady involved frantic at what happened.

“I approached them and told them everything was going to be okay,” said Patrolmen Lorenzo Burns.

“A car can be replaced but a life cannot. Once we told her that and kind of made her feel okay about the situation she calmed down,” said Madison.

It was that kind of service that made an impact. Madison and Burns were given accommodation awards for a small token that painted a bigger picture.

“I can’t always pay my officers what they deserve. But just a simple police accommodation, a certificate, as I call it, my I love me wall. Sometimes when I look at these little plaques it reminds me of what I’ve done or what I’ve accomplished,” said Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton.

Shelton calls it a morale booster and he wants to hear from residents.

In a bit of irony, while shooting this story a woman with a flat tire pulled up to CPD for help. Madison and Burns didn’t hesitate to help out.

“Everyday you lace up those boots, go towards with a 100%. It shows we can wake up each morning and love what we do, which we do.

Patrolman Madison says it’s not about show and tell. It’s just working in a field he loves, in a community he calls home.

“It’s more than just writing tickets. It’s more than taking guys to jail. We’re out here and we really care and we’ll continue to do that. Whether we get accommodated or not, but it feels good to hear thank you,” said Madison.

Both patrolmen dedicated their awards to all law enforcement who daily make the sacrifices.

Another officer, Patrolman John Compton was also awarded for his role in a Grand Larceny investigation.