John Williams Honored as Deputy of the Year

Last updated: September 9, 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN)

John Williams of the Warren County Sheriff9s Office has been named Deputy of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Vicksburg, an honor recognizing his outstanding service to the community.

For Williams, the recognition represents more than an achievement in law enforcement. It reflects a life centered on faith, service and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

“It’s an honor but also a goal that I had from a spiritual perspective,”Williams said. One thing in my spiritual walk is to bring glory to God, so I want to be the best at what I do and serve with gladness.

Williams path to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office came after he spent several years as a lieutenant with security forces for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District.

He eventually found himself being recruited by two local law enforcement agencies, the Vicksburg Police Department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Williams ultimately chose the Sheriff’sOffice.

Williams was already in his 50s when he began his new career, knowing one of his biggest challenges would be completing the police academy. Instead of allowing his age or the difficulty of the training to discourage him, the veteran embraced the opportunity.

“I seen it as an opportunity for me to give more,”Williams said.

Williams was a member of Basic Class B68 at the police academy, where he became a platoon leader before graduating. Throughout the experience, he said his faith remained at the forefront.

“Out of all the challenges, I got to honor God and encourage younger people,”Williams said.

That commitment to his faith has followed Williams throughout his life.

Known for spreading the word of God, Williams earned the nickname “Rev.” He is also a preacher with three fellowships at Standfield New Life Christian Church, Greater Mount Lebanon and Mount Pilgrim. He has served in ministry for more than three decades, with his faith becoming the foundation of his purpose in life.

“Serving the Lord is my highest honor,” Williams said.

His commitment to serving others extends into his duties with the Warren County Sheriff9s Office. Williams works in court services and transports inmates while also representing the Sheriff’s Office at numerous community events. He is also frequently called upon to lead prayers.

John Williams’ Journey in Law Enforcement

Born and raised in Vicksburg, Williams grew up poor, but he never allowed his circumstances to interfere with his faith or his vision for his future. As doors opened throughout his life, he continued looking for opportunities to help others improve their own lives.

Overcoming Challenges

That same message is one he shares with his family.

Williams has been married to his wife, Wanda, for two years, and they have a total of five children.

“I’m inspired by every achievement they accomplish, and I let them know that we have to bring glory to God and help be a blessing to others,” Williams said.

Williams perseverance has also been tested outside of his professional career. He recently overcame cancer and returned to work sooner than expected, continuing to push forward despite the challenges he faced.

Williams credited his wife with helping him through one of the most difficult periods of his life.

“I was thankful to have such a supportive wife,”Williams said. I’m very honored to still push through these challenges, and I won’t stop until this mission is over.”

From overcoming hardship as a child to beginning a law enforcement career in his 50s, completing the police academy and battling cancer, Williams has continued to lean on the same principles that have guided him for decades-faith, perseverance and service.

Now, as the Kiwanis Club of Vicksburg’s Deputy of the Year, Williams views the honor not simply as recognition of what he has accomplished, but as another opportunity to continue the mission he believes he was called to fulfill: serving God by serving others.