Swearing-in ceremony held for new Laurel police officers By Eddie Robertson | January 8, 2021 at 5:19 PM CST - Updated January 8 at 5:59 PM
LAURA, Miss. (WDAM) - The Laurel Police Department welcomed three officers to its ranks on Friday.
Justin Clifton, Timothy Daughdrill and William Tanner Hemby were all sworn in by Mayor Johnny Magee during a brief ceremony held at city hall.
Chief Tommy Cox said the experience they bring is an asset to the department.
“What you saw today is that these are three experienced officers, the lowest being just two years, but one with seven and one with 24 years experience,” Cox said. “So when you get guys that have been out there and already been trained, for the most part, it’s just a plus for the department.”
Lonnie Johnson
The council authorized Mayor Johnny Magee to sign an engagement letter with Phelps Dunbar LLP to represent the city. According to the order, the city âhas been named in a lawsuit that involves labor law issues and requires the services of an attorney that specializes in labor law practice.â
Todd Butler of Phelps Dunbar will represent the city in the case Lonnie Johnson v. City of Laurel, Mississippi. A copy of the lawsuit was not obtained before going to press Wednesday.
Lonnie Johnson is a lieutenant who was recognized in a ceremony in the City Council Chambers in August for achieving that promotion. He has been with the LFD for 26 years and his brother Billy is a division chief with the Jackson Fire Department.Â