By Guest Writer K.L. Rankin | The People’s Paper MS
SIMPSON COUNTY, Miss. — Recent shootings across Simpson County have put public safety back in the spotlight, but they have also highlighted something local law enforcement leaders say is critical when communities face difficult circumstances: working together.
Two weeks ago, officers from the Magee Police Department joined the Mendenhall Police Department, Simpson County Sheriff’s Office and other state and local law enforcement agencies to provide additional security during the Simpson County Super Bowl in Mendenhall.
The game ended without reported incidents.
For Sheriff Paul Mullins, the response demonstrated what can happen when agencies across the county work as one team.
“We had a great turnout from our state and local law enforcement agencies to help deter anything that may have happened,” Mullins said.
Mullins said the recent violence should not be viewed as an issue involving only one community.
“We want our citizens to understand that this is not simply an issue between Magee and Mendenhall,” he said. “It goes much broader than that, and it affects our entire community.”
Agencies Working Across City Lines
Magee Police Chief Denis J. Borges sent Magee officers to Mendenhall to assist during the football game.
“The game was in Mendenhall, and I had four Magee Police Department officers there to assist,” Borges said.
Borges said cooperation gives agencies more resources when they need them.
“When law enforcement officers work together, the community benefits because we are able to provide more manpower, better coverage, more intelligence and a safer environment for everyone involved,” said Borges. “At the end of the day, public safety is the goal, regardless of what badge or uniform we wear.”
Borges has more than 16 years in law enforcement and has served as Magee police chief since September 2024.
Mendenhall Police Chief James Walker also credited the officers and agencies that worked throughout the city during the game.
“All went good in the city where I am the chief,” Walker said. “We did the streets of Mendenhall. All was good. Thanks to all that helped Simpson out.”
Walker added a little football rivalry to his assessment.
“And the Tigers did what we always do — what we do: beat them Trojans,” he said.
A Different Picture After That Difficult Weekend
The football game came shortly after a violent weekend in Simpson County that included multiple shooting incidents and left two people dead and several others injured.
The incidents prompted increased attention to public safety and law enforcement coordination across the county.
That makes the cooperation displayed at the football game especially relevant as residents continue to navigate concerns about violence.
Mullins, who has 38 years of law enforcement experience, said he has seen how violence can affect an entire community.
“When we come together as a team — with law enforcement, community leaders, and our citizens — we can be much more effective in keeping our communities safe,” Mullins said.
He also thanked the agencies and officers who helped with the football game.
“I would also like to sincerely thank everyone who came out and helped us at the ball game,” Mullins said. “Your presence, support, and willingness to work together made a real difference.”
The game was over two weeks ago, but the cooperation among Simpson County’s law enforcement agencies remains relevant as the county continues responding to recent violence.
For the agencies involved, the message was consistent: Regardless of which department answers the call, public safety requires cooperation across Simpson County.
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