The 2019 Annual Conference came to a close on June 14th after a great week of training, fun and camaraderie. Training this year consisted of K9 Training, Horse Mounted Patrols, Cell Phone and Social Media Investigation, and Motorcycle Training. The Motorcycle, Horse Mounted Patrol, and K9 Training consisted of several events culminating in skill exhibitions that gave the participants the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they acquired in their training.
Officer of the Year
Each year, the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Association recognizes an officer for their accomplishments with an “Officer of the Year” award. This honor is bestowed upon an officer who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the service of their community. The emphasis of this award is not always based on a single act of heroism but for those who excel in the daily performance of their duty and demonstrate a distinct pattern of dedication and professionalism.
This year’s award goes to Officer Michael Tarrio with the Jackson Police Department for his actions.
On May 9, 2018 at approximately 0100 hours while on patrol, Officer Michael Tarrio observed a white SUV speeding on Cooper Road. As it neared near Rainey Road, the vehicle pulled into the Valero gas station located at 905 Rainey RD, Jackson, MS. This vehicle was occupied by two black male subjects who were later identified as Elliott and Chauncey Reed. Officer Tarrio parked his patrol unit in front of the SUV to prevent the vehicle from driving away. The driver Elliott Reed exited the vehicle to go inside of the gas station when the officer advised him to return to the vehicle. The driver returned to the vehicle the officer noticed there was weapons on the floor of the vehicle. Officer Tarrio instructed the driver Elliott Reed to face him and step out of the vehicle. The driver refused to comply with Tarrio's commands and then jumped out of the vehicle and got into a physical confrontation with the officer. While wrestling with the officer, Elliot instructed his brother to come help. Elliott then tried to take Tarrio's weapon from his holster. It was at this time that Tarrio said his training kicked in and he was able to prevent the suspects from taking his weapon. Elliot then told his brother to shoot the officer. Chauncey went into the vehicle and got an assault rifle and fired shots at the officer which caused Tarrio and Elliott Reed to fall to the ground. Tarrio was able to break away and quickly get up to draw his weapon and return fire while taking cover behind his patrol unit. Officer Tarrio fired several shots at these suspects and into to the vehicle hitting the driver Elliott Reed who was later pronounced dead and the other brother Chauncey Reed was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer and Capitol Murder. Officer Michael Tarrio suffered no injuries in this incident and was able to get two dangerous criminals off of the streets of Jackson.
MLEOA is proud to present Officer Tarrio with the 2019 Officer of the Year Award. Officer Tarrio will receive a plaque and a $400.00 gift card toward the purchase of a weapon of his choice.
Scholarships
As law enforcement officers we understand that during our careers we will make many sacrifices to help our communities on a daily basis.
One of those sacrifices is the time spent away from our families and that is a sacrifice that is made not only by us as officers and deputies, but by our families as well, who wait anxiously for our return while we are gone.
This is one reason why it is so important to us on the MLEOA Board to award these scholarships at our banquet every year. Each time we award these scholarships, it reminds us of how precious little time that we have with our children as they are growing up. The scholarships that we award also give us the opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication that these bright young adults have put in. These fundamentals are just a few of the building blocks that will be the foundation for their continued success in life.
Our first scholarship to be awarded was the Robbie Maxwell Memorial Scholarship.
The next scholarship awarded was the Bill Martin Memorial Scholarship.
The final scholarship awarded was the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Association Academic Award.
Detection scramble
1st Hunter Solomon / K9 Kiro Hernando PD
2nd Shaun Jimmie / K9 Soco Choctaw PD
3rd Ken Strodstorm / K9 Apollo Tupelo PD
Hard Dog Fast Dog
1st Mike Ray / K9 Enzo Tupelo PD
2nd Chris Gilland / K9 Chase Baldwin PD
3rd Matt McCain / K9 Castor Flowood PD
MOTORCYCLE RESULTS
Division 1
Novice
3rd Jonathan Soto Mobile PD
2nd Timothy Freeman Mobile PD
1st Mike Krauss Gulfport PD
Intermediate
3rd James Westbrook Flowood PD
2nd Skyler Wright Mobile PD
1st John Saucier Flowood PD
Expert
3rd Ryan Blakely Mobile PD
2nd Jay Bass MHP
1st Kenny Free Desoto CO SO
Division 2
Novice
3rd
2nd Nathan Ryan Southaven PD
1st Tim Burnham Southaven PD
Intermediate
3rd William Higdon Olive Branch PD
2nd Jay Crawford Olive Branch PD
1st Walter Medford Olive Branch PD
Expert
3rd Gregory Stacks Desoto CO SO
2nd Michael Dupuy WBRSO
1st Clifton Brown WBRSO
Division 3
Expert
1st Paul Barnard Pineville PD
Slow Ride
3rd Kenny Free Desoto CO SO
2nd Michael Dupuy WBRSO
1st Clifton Brown WBRSO
Challenge Ride
3rd Miller WBRSO
2nd Logan Desoto CO SO
1st Barnard Pineville PD
Partner Ride
3rd Chapin/Finnegan
2nd Bass/Jarvis
1st Dupuy/Miller
50+ Overall
David Matos Hattiesburg PD
B.R.A.T. (Best Rider Around Town)
Clifton Brown WBRSO
Mounted Officer’s Obstacle Course
“Fleeing Felon Challenge”
Rules:
Results:
1. Heath Spears, HCSO, 1:23
2. Paul Mullins, HCSO, 1:10 +15 = 1:25
3. Matt Kinne, OPD, 1:26
4. Blake Horton, OPD, 1:25 +15 +5 = 1:45
5. Justin Flanagan, HCSO, 1:37 +5 +5 = 1:47
6. Jeff Middleton, HCSO, 1:26 +5 +5 +15 = 1:51
7. Joseph Jones, NOPD, 1:30 +15 +5 +5 = 1:55
8. Mark Whitaker, OPD, 2:08
9. Binky Orr, MPD, 1:49 +25 = 2:14
10. Matthew Brown, OPD, 2:24 +5 = 2:29
11. David Liang, NOPD, 5:29
12. Exhibition Run, Leslie Mayhall, MPD, 1:23
Click here for information about the 2020 MLEOA Conference.
131 North Front St
Senatobia, MS 38668
(662) 420-6542
mleoa1954@gmail.com