Vicksburg Chief Penny L. Jones and the Vicksburg Police Department (VPD) have announced the retirement of Deputy Chief Michael W. Bryant after 32 years of service to the community. Bryant’s last day with VPD  will be Tuesday, Nov. 26.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Bryant has served in numerous capacities, contributing to the growth and success of our department,” Jones said. “His tenure spanned across several divisions, including patrol, internal affairs, and administration. His broad experience and leadership in these areas have been essential in making the Vicksburg Police Department the professional and well-respected agency it is today.”

Jones said Bryant’s accomplishments were often behind the scenes and his quiet professionalism was not boastful, but his contributions were many.

“A pivotal figure in our department’s journey, Deputy Chief Bryant played a key role in the accreditation process that elevated our department to nationally recognized standards,” she said. “His dedication to excellence, unwavering loyalty to his job, and commitment to the safety and well- being of the Vicksburg community have been nothing short of exemplary.”

Jones said Bryant’s retirement is well-earned, but is also a loss for the VPD family.

“As Deputy Chief Bryant enters this well-deserved retirement, his legacy will be remembered by the officers who worked alongside him and the countless individuals he served throughout his career. His contributions to the Vicksburg Police Department and the city of Vicksburg will not soon be forgotten. On behalf of the entire Vicksburg Police Department, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Deputy Chief Bryant for his service, leadership, and dedication. We wish him all the best as he
begins this next chapter of his life, and we will certainly miss his presence within our department.”