Those who keep us safe: Chief Dewayne Sims

As we continue to honor those who keep us safe, we would like to put a spotlight on Dewayne Sims, Chief of Police with the Vicksburg-Warren School District. Sims has been serving the school district for nearly two decades and has made a significant impact on the lives of the students and staff members he interacts with.

A winding road

Sims’ journey to becoming a resource officer was not a conventional one. He attended Warren Central High School and went on to earn a degree in Communication Broadcast Journalism from Alcorn State University. He later worked in the casino industry as a surveillance observer/investigator before joining the Vicksburg Police Department in 2000 as a narcotics investigator.

“I really wanted to get into public information to be a PIO (Public Information Officer) person for the police department but things didn’t line up that way. The career path turned for narcotics, so I just pursued that career,” said Sims.

After a few years, Sims joined the Mississippi Gaming Commission, also known as the “casino police,” as an enforcement agent. Finally, in 2004, Sims joined the Vicksburg-Warren School District as a Chief, a position he has held for nearly twenty years. While at the school district, he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration/Human Resources and has served on various committees.

A turning point

When Sims joined the school district, it was a turning point for him. He found that he could make the greatest impact by helping juveniles.

“I can help a juvenile before they become an adult to make good choices. Once I started seeing the end result of that, I think that was a turning point,” said Sims.

Sims expressed pride in seeing students graduate, start families of their own, and have children in school, all while remembering his words of encouragement.

Becoming your own person

Sims had no specific role model or hero, but instead found inspiration in many individuals to build his own identity. He believes that passion, love, and integrity are the key elements of being a great officer.

“That’s how you make a good police officer, you take a piece here and you take a piece there and you form your own personality,” said Sims.

For Sims, being a good officer means putting those you serve ahead of yourself. He also believes that being able to balance personal and career life is crucial to being a good officer.

“Always remember as a public servant, you will always be second. If you can’t be second when you are out here serving people and keep in mind you’re not to be served, you come to serve,” said Sims. “Always do the right thing regardless, not doing the popular thing, just treat everybody fairly regardless, too, of what crime was committed.”

A thank you

Sims’ journey to becoming a Chief is a testament to the idea that life takes us on unexpected paths. His passion for serving others and his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the students and staff members he interacts with is truly inspiring. His journey shows that even when life takes unexpected turns, it is never too late to pursue your passions and make a difference in the world. We thank Chief Sims for his service and dedication to keeping our schools safe.

“I really appreciate the community for allowing me to serve them.” – Chief Dewayne Sims.