Sturgis Hires Officers for Police Department

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STURGIS, Miss. (WCBI)- The gated area where Sturgis’s police cruisers have been parked for nearly a month is now unlocked. But, they key to the department’s success now lies in the hands for the new police chief.

“We’re back up to full capabilities now and ready to get things settled down,” said Sturgis Mayor Walter Turner.

Just a few days after hiring Police Chief Dough Hamilton, town leaders staffed the rest of the force.

“We hired 2 new police officers. We hired a chief about 10 days ago. Gave him some time to get acquainted with the town and everything. He recommended 2 people who we also interviewed for Chief so we didn’t have to interview again and we’re glad to have them,” said Turner.

When the Sturgis board of Aldermen voted not to re-appoint Will Hutchinson, all of the officers quit a short time later. Leaders were forced to start from square one.

“We had some concerns, I think on 2 different occasions when they stopped me on the street, asking about police protection, I could point to a sheriff’s car in town.  I’m very pleased with the coverage we had,” said Mayor Turner.

Sturgis native Charles Yarbrough owns Yarbrough tires. An extra measure of safety has been returned, but he says the transition has not been noticeable.

“I’m just neutral on it. Because the other police that was here, they were okay with me and the one they have now they say he’s a pretty good guy,” said Yarbrough.

Calvin Robsin will serve as the new part-time police officer.

” I worked 13 years at the sheriff’s department in Webster, worked a couple of years at Mississippi State and Ive been with Maben, Mississippi about 17 years part-time, but full time 6 years,” said Officer Robinson.

He’s no stranger to Strugis and feels the new department will serve the community well.

“I feel like, as far as the town, we’ll be able to make it safe, make the citizens feel happy with the law enforcement that we’ll be able to provide for them,” said Officer Robinson.

Chief Doug Hamilton spent more than 3 decades with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, bringing experience back to the streets of the small Oktibbeha County town.

Sturgis’ Assistant Police Chief Barry Miller of Weir was also sworn in Thursday afternoon. They’re expected to begin their positions immediately.