Lt. Jerry Erving was recognized as Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers’ “Officer of the Year.”
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch presented the award to the Kosciusko officer at a luncheon held on Tuesday, May 16 during a statewide Crime Stoppers convention. Erving received the award for his dedication to law enforcement.
“It really touched me,” he said. “I almost shed a tear. I was shocked. It really touched me and meant a lot.”
Erving had no idea he was receiving the award. He was asked to attend the convention by Investigator Greg Collins. “He asked me if I’d go, and I said, ‘Yeah, I’d go,’” said Erving. “They got me good.”
Erving’s law enforcement career began in 2009 with the Attala County Sheriff’s Office. He also served as an officer for Holmes Community College.
He joined the Kosciusko Police Department in 2017. He was promoted to the position of lieutenant two years ago.
Erving is a licensed barber, and he owns the Kosciusko barber shop Clipper City, where he still works on his days off.
He said over the years listening to stories from some of his customers motivated him to go into law enforcement.
He was hired on April Fool’s Day in 2009.
Erving is an Attala County native from Sallis.
What Erving enjoys most about being in law enforcement is helping people.
“People just need guidance,” he said. “It really makes me feel good to get guns off of the streets, get criminals off the street, get people home safe, and I get home safe. It’s just a passion. I never thought I would be a police officer.”
