Three Vicksburg Police Department (VPD) officers were promoted during a special ceremony held Tuesday.

VPD Investigators Jerrold Hayes and Eddie Colbert were each promoted to sergeant, while VPD Sergeant Donald Heggins was promoted to lieutenant.

VPD Chief of Police Penny Jones said all three officers are more than deserving of their steps up in rank due to each man’s dedication to protecting and serving the City of Vicksburg and its residents.

“Today marks a momentous occasion as we recognize the exemplary dedication and outstanding performance of these three individuals,” Jones said. “With this promotion comes added responsibilities and challenges, yet I’m confident Sergeant Heggins
and Investigators Hayes and Colbert are capable of rising to the occasion.”

Jones said all three men have proven track records of service above and beyond the call of duty.

“They have proven themselves time and time again and have demonstrated unwavering dedication to this department.”

Jones spoke briefly prior to each officer’s official promotion during Tuesday’s ceremony.

“This young man is a very, very dedicated member of Vicksburg Police Department,” Jones said of Heggins. “There is not one
time that I have made a phone call that he is not there.”

Jones said Colbert has also proven his dedication to the job continuously during his time with VPD.

“When I say Johnny-on-the-spot, he is always willing to go the extra mile to do the job,” she said.

And Jones said Hayes shares the same sense of service and dedication as his two colleagues.

“Very talented and very dedicated,” Jones said of Hayes. “And I think he’s going to go to some great heights.”