“You wore your badge well” – Leonce Young retires

Sergeant Leonce Young has retired from the Vicksburg Police Department after 25 years. Young joined the Vicksburg Police Department on April 10, 1998.

A celebration was held in the Vicksburg Municipal Courtroom on Tuesday where a large group of family, friends and co-workers gathered to celebrate the retirement of Sergeant Leonce Young. All four current chiefs of the police department including Chief Penny Jones were there along with former chiefs including Bobby Stewart. Judge Angela Carpenter, Aldermen Mayfield and Monsour and Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace also attended along with numerous city department heads and local dignitaries.

Leonce Young and Martin Pace. Photo by David Day

Several people spoke at the celebration including long-time friend and former co-worker Lionel Johnson, “In the 25 years I’ve known and worked with Leon, not once did we argue.”

Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones said:

“When you leave, I just don’t know anybody that can replace you,” stated Chief Jones.

Sgt Leonce Young with Chief Penny Jones. Photo by David Day

Young was presented with two plaques, the first from Chief Jones read:

“Honoring 24 years of service. Sergeant Leonce Young. Thank you for your dedicated service to the Vicksburg Police Department and the City of Vicksburg. You wore your badge well. April 10, 1998 – February 28, 2023. Penny Jones, Chief of Police”

The other plaque from the City of Vicksburg said:

“The City of Vicksburg Congratulates Leonce Young, Vicksburg Police Department, Sergeant, We wish you a blessed retirement with sincere appreciation for your dedication, loyalty and 25 years of service to the City of Vicksburg. April 1998 -February 2023. George Flaggs, Jr., Mayor, Michael A. Mayfield, Sr., Ward 1 Alderman, Alex J. Monsour, Jr., Ward 2 Alderman.”

Lionel Johnson and Leonce Young. Photo by David Day

Adam-2, Charles Hill congratulated Young and mentioned that Young will be able to spend more time with his family. Hill then paused, looked Young directly in the eyes and said, “You’ll always have a family here.”

In October of 2021, a Vicksburg Daily News story done on Young was read into the Congressional Record by Congressman Benny Thompson.

In a message to the Vicksburg Daily News, Young said, “It has been my pleasure serving the citizens of Vicksburg and Warren County.”