Those who keep us safe: Danielle Williams

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A big heart led Danielle Williams to a career of giving back to the community as a crime prevention specialist with the Vicksburg Police Department.

The Vicksburg native and Warren Central High School graduate, class of 1995, chose to stay in Vicksburg and pour back into the community that poured so much into her growing up.

“I have a big passion for the elderly people in our community,” Williams said. The elderly have so much wisdom and so much knowledge that we can all learn from.”

Williams’ passion extends to people of all ages throughout the River City.

Williams first realized her love for people when she accepted a job at Sherman Avenue Elementary School in 2006. It was here she built long-lasting relationships with children who are now adults in the community.

After her nine-year tenure at Sherman Avenue, she accepted the crime prevention specialist job in 2015 with the Vicksburg Police Department.

“I serve as the liaison and represent the police department throughout the community,” Williams said.

Williams also conducts safety classes for women, and with her knowledge of the school system, she coordinates events with the Vicksburg Warren School District.

In her five years with VPD, many events and moments stick out, but when she really thought about it, the name Jacob Engram came to mind.

With Williams leading the way, the Vicksburg Police Department turned a dream into a reality for 21-year-old Jacob Engram by naming him an honorary police officer.

Engram suffers from Apert Syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities. His condition made it impossible for Engram to embark on the law enforcement career path on his own.

“That moment meant so much to me and meant so much to him,” Williams said. “He still comes up to the police station every now and then.”

Although Williams is not a certified police officer and does not carry a gun nor chase down bad guys, the weight of the job can bring her stress.

“Sometimes it can get really hard,” she said, “but I continue to stay prayed up.”

She relies heavily on support from Deputy Chief Penny Jones and Chief Milton Moore during tough times on the job.

Williams does annual mock crashes during school prom season to make high school students aware of the consequences of drinking and driving along with illegal drug use.

In recent years, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety awarded Williams with a certificate on a job well done because of the mock crashes and safety checkpoints she conducts.

She also serves on the Vicksburg Make a Promise Drug and Alcohol Coalition and participates in various community events.

“My desire and passion is to help people,” she said.