The Tupelo Police Department said it recently held its 2025 annual awards banquet to recognize officers and staff who serve the community. Chief John Quaka and command staff presented the awards, the department said.
The department said award winners included Bulldog Award recipient Chris Scribner; Civilian of the Year Verita Marshall; Rookie of the Year Shundreka Jones; Reserve Officer of the Year Eric Gibens; Investigator of the Year Blake Burress; SRO of the Year Jay Marshall; Supervisor of the Year Daniel McKinney; Chief’s Award recipients Chris Gilland and Ben Uhiren; Transfer Portal Officer of the Year Joseph El-Bisi; and Officer of the Year James Hood.
The department thanked Sheriff Jim H. Johnson and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department for covering calls within the city so Tupelo officers could attend the banquet, the department said. It also thanked sponsors for making the event possible.
The Tupelo Police Department said the awardees exemplify the professionalism, dedication and service the department seeks to provide the community.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
