Retired law enforcement reunion held at Levee Street Warehouse

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A reunion for retired law enforcement officers, started years ago by brothers Bob, 82, and Jack Hollingsworth, 80, at their Long Lake Camp, was held Saturday at the Levee Street Warehouse here in Vicksburg.

Bob Hollingsworth retired in 1992, 33 years ago. Hollingsworth started with the Vicksburg Police Department in 1962 riding a motorcycle. He then joined the Alcohol Beverage Control in 1966. “I went to work for the ABC in 1966, the year it was organized,” said Hollingsworth. “I stayed with them until and then went to the Jackson PD and retired from them.”

“Bob was living on Thompson Lake and we all got together, just a handful of us and started doing this. And it grew. And it grew,” explained Jack Hollingsworth. “Billy Sheffield was with us and he said, well let’s go down to the (city pavilion). We went there for two years but it got to where they wanted us to hire security. So Billy said, well, let’s go out to my house.”

Sheffield hosted the event for 10 years, “And he took care of us, supplied everything,” said Jack Hollingsworth. Billy Sheffield was a constable for many years and his wife, Pauline, served as a Justice Court Judge.

The Sheffield/Heggins Family once again hosted this year at their property on Levee Street. The food was prepared by Toney’s on 61 North. Owner Charles Toney is also a retired law enforcement officer. “I tell ya, we thoroughly enjoyed being down here. John Heggins and his crew do a good job setting up and taking care of us,” said brother Jack Hollingsworth.

The luncheon began with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Those who had gone on before were remembered in opening remarks. Good natured conversation ensued along with a generous buffet of catfish, sides and desserts.

About 40 retired deputies, officers and chiefs enjoyed the buffet and the assembled crowd and spouses could be seen laughing, vibrantly discussing calls they shared, smiling about the good times and talking about the future.