Tommy ‘Air’ Curtis serves his community of Vicksburg

Tommy “Air” Curtis has played many active roles in the community starting with his days at Vicksburg High School as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track.

Today, his work and service is reflected throughout the city.

Curtis was born and raised in Vicksburg. When he was 10, his dad died in a car accident.

In the fifth grade, Curtis began playing football at the YMCA for the Redwood Rockets. Then, as Curtis was still trying to find his role as a football player at Vicksburg Junior High, he quickly showed his skills in track.

Curtis began finding his football role toward the end of his junior year at Vicksburg High School in 1996. During the summer before his senior year, Curtis participated in a lot of 7-on-7 tournaments, and he continued to work hard.

During his senior year, Curtis earned the name “Air” after Steve McNair, a football player he looked up to at the time. Curtis had a breakout season that year, throwing for 2,506 yards and 19 touchdowns in 1997, which would set a single-season record in Warren County.

“I had a great group of wide receivers,” he said.

Curtis had plenty of receivers to choose from, including Bunkie Perkins, Roderick Stirgus, Larry Wright, Greg James and Robert Williams. Curtis also mentioned his running back, Lester Martin, who had over a 1,000 yards rushing in addition to all the passing Vicksburg was doing.

Curtis went on to play football at Hinds Community College where he would play corner back alongside Fred Smoot, a future NFL player.

In his sophomore year at Hinds, Curtis suffered an injury, and he transferred to Delta State University where he would gain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2003. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from Ashford University, and a master’s of art and religion from Liberty University.

In 2004, Curtis joined the Vicksburg Police Department as a patrolman. Over the years, he has had many roles with the VPD, including school resource officer, juvenile investigator, internal affairs investigator, and as sergeant and head of the juvenile division where he is today while also assisting in adult criminal cases.

Curtis has always had a special place for youth in the community. He coached youth sports and helped out with Vicksburg Street Ball Program during the summer.

He is also an entrepreneur. Curtis is CEO at All Around Training, a workout facility in the Vicksburg Mall, where his wife, Rebecca Curtis, is his go-to person and wellness coach.

Curtis credits his wife and family, especially his mother, Elmira Curtis, and his faith in Jesus Christ, who he thanks the most for his success.

“You will only go as far as your education,” Curtis advises young athletes. “… Be a student before an athlete.”