Former VPD officer Doug Arp becomes first addition to Wall of Heroes

The late Douglas “Doug” Arp was honored in a dedication ceremony held Friday at Vicksburg Police Department, where the former officer became the first name added to the Wall of Heroes.

Meant as a place to forever memorialize officers who have made a positive difference in their community, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said there could be no more fitting a start to the wall than adding the plaque honoring Arp’s legacy.

“Today we gather with a profound sense of honor and reverence as we dedicate a space on the Wall of Heroes to a remarkable individual,” Flaggs said. “Doug passed away Sept. 10, 2023. To be the first to be honored on this wall is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary contributions and unwavering dedication to our community.”

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said he has fond memories of Arp, who served with VPD from 1977 until 2002, adding that his personality and over-the-top antics made an impression far beyond the Vicksburg city limits.

“Doug never did anything halfway,” Pace said. “It was always full bore or not at all. His heart was always in the right place.”

Pace said, even after his retirement, Arp stayed active in programs like the National Night Out, the D.A.R.E. program and neighborhood watches.

“This was something that had not been done in this community,” Pace said. “And this was all just off the cuff. He was just trying to come up with something that would attract attention. Even after he retired from the police department, he had come to me and said, ‘Hey. I want to kind of keep doing this. Can I do it on behalf of the county?’”

Pace also recalled a trip to D.C. where a person in a crowd who heard he was sheriff of Warren County, Mississippi inquired about whether or not he knew Arp.

“I’m in downtown Washington D.C. and someone is asking me if I know Doug Arp,” Pace said with a laugh.

Pace and Flaggs each commended Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones for beginning the Wall of Heroes, which she said will be used in the future to continue bringing attention to deserving officers.

Jones, along with Arp’s son Dale, unveiled a plaque commemorating the officer during Friday’s service, where his daughter Rachel was also present.

The full video of Friday’s ceremony can be viewed on The Vicksburg Post Facebook page.