“There is definitely an espirit de corps in law enforcement. We all work together,” said retiring Deputy Hugh Curry of his 29 years in the Attala County Sherriff’s Dept. During those years, he has served in several roles, including narcotics officer, special crimes investigator and patrolman.
Curry said he has seen a lot of changes, most notably in that of technology.
“It has increased and improved over the years,” said Curry.
Another, more unfortunate thing he has noticed is in perpetrators.
“I have found myself arresting second generation criminals,” he said.
But one major thing has stayed the same.
“The dedication to law enforcement has not changed,” he said. “I will miss the camaraderie and the way officers depend on each other.”
Curry said having a special needs sister motivated him to get into law enforcement.
“I realized that there are people out there who just can’t take care of themselves,” he said, noting that one of the most rewarding aspects of his career has been helping his neighbors.
“In rural law enforcement, you do realize that you do make a change. I am rewarded by bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” he said.
Following his retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, Curry plans to keep working for the county.
“I accepted a lateral transfer working for the Board of Supervisors in Beat 3. I will be an equipment operator and work with maintenance and repair of roads and bridges,” he said.
After spending the last 29 years with interrupted meals, days off and family time, he is looking forward to spending time with his wife and family.
“I am planning on spending more time with my grandchildren, and I have one great-grandchild,” Curry said.
He also hopes to have more time for his hobbies — hunting, fishing and farming.
In addition to those activities, Curry said he will continue his certification as a firearms instructor with the Sherriff’s Department.
“Sheriff Nail has been very gracious and accommodating,” he said, noting that his certification allows him to continue giving defensive handgun training to new or experienced shooters.
“Evil has flourished, especially with recent events. People are more aware that it’s up to them to defend themselves,” he said. “I enjoy teaching someone, especially a new shooter, who doesn’t know how to take care of his own protection.”
