FLOWOOD, Miss. ( WJTV ) – During the 2024 Mississippi Public Safety Summit, Governor Tate Reeves, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, and Commissioner Sean Tindell presented this year’s Governor’s Public Safety Awards.

This year’s honorees are:

First Responders of the Year:

• Lt. Joe Kennedy, Hattiesburg Police Department
• Officer Will Brantley, Flowood Police Department

“Let me say this as clearly as possible – Lt. Kennedy and Officer Brantley are both heroes,” said Reeves. “Their actions saved the lives of two babies. I’m incredibly thankful that God placed good men such as Lt. Kennedy and Officer Brantley in the right place at the right time. Their actions forever changed the lives of those children, as well as their families. That will never be forgotten, and our entire state is grateful to them.”

On January 23, 2023, Lt. Kennedy administered life-saving emergency medical care to a baby while at a restaurant in Petal. Officer Brantley similarly came to the aid of a choking baby while on shift in his patrol car on October 6, 2023.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:

• Cpl. Garrett Comstock, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

“Our law enforcement officers do fearless work every day, but the work that Garrett Comstock has done is truly exceptional,” said Tindell. “Garrett not only saved the life of a fellow officer, but also prevented potential harm to many others. Thank you to Garrett for his service and bravery. Congratulations on being named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year!”

Prosecutor of the Year:

• ADA Scott Rogillio, 20th Circuit Court District

“It takes more than skills and education to be an excellent prosecutor,” said Fitch. “It takes a commitment to truth and justice. It takes empathy for the victims for whom you speak. Scott Rogillio has served for three decades in several District Attorney’s offices and, as DA Bubba Bramlett stated in nominating him, ‘he remains joyful in his pursuits and willing to lend his knowledge and expertise to both law enforcement and other prosecutors.’ The broad respect he has earned from his colleagues speaks volumes to his dedication to service.”

Firefighter of the Year:

• Deputy Chief Twaskie Graham, Naval Air Station Meridian

“Deputy Chief Graham has served his community well, responding to emergencies in the city of Meridian as well as at the Naval Air Station,” said Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “Congratulations Deputy Chief Graham. This honor is well deserved.”

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