Oftentimes in life, people who go above and beyond the call of duty get overlooked. I would like to commend Charles Harrigill for his untiring efforts to coordinate with the Natchez Fire Department for their help in honoring my brother in law, Jerry McDaniel.

Several fire trucks were placed at strategic locations along the funeral procession route with firemen standing at attention as lights flashed.

Also, thanks Mr. Harrigill for coordinating such a marvelous group of officers attending the funeral service itself. The officers standing at attention all in a row with their hats crossing their chest at the cemetery entrance was an awesome sight.

The two officers who folded the flag were great. So very, very touching was the “Last Call,” executed near the conclusion of the graveside service. The dispatcher did an excellent job on the “Last Call.” To explain what the “Last Call” is for the public that does know, the dispatcher says, “10-20 all units.” Each deputy answers when the dispatcher calls out their number. But when the dispatcher called out to Adams-2, there was no answer. She repeated it again, and again no answer. Then, the dispatcher said, “Jerry McDaniel is 10-7 after 40 years of service to Adams County. Rest in peace, Adams-2, other deputies will handle it from here.”

After some 23 years of service, how appropriate for such a close to the last chapter of his life. Everything was executed to perfection.

Again, thanks Mr. Harrigill for all of your diligent efforts to put everything together in such a beautiful fashion. I would like to add one final thought to such a wonderful life well lived.

As a fireman standing proud and tall, as a law officer waiting for the next call, tested and tried, proven to be true, there will never be another Adams-2.

 

James H. Cockerham

Natchez