Delta State Police Chief Jeff Johns (left) presented the Exchange Club Emergency Responder of the Year Award and the State Medal of Valor to Lieutenant Christopher Williams at the Cleveland Country Club Thursday.CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University Police Department Lieutenant Christopher Williams was presented with the State Medal of Valor by Delta State Police Chief Jeff Johns last week at the Exchange Club of Cleveland’s annual Emergency Responders Recognition Luncheon held at the Cleveland Country Club. Williams was also recognized by the Exchange Club as DSU’s Emergency Responder of the Year.
On May 2, 2023, Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) trooper Ryan Watson was shot while conducting a traffic stop near Mound Bayou. Williams was driving to work and stopped, providing first aid and assistance to Watson until backup arrived. Watson underwent surgery for his injuries, and federal marshals arrested his assailant days later at an apartment complex in Brandon.
MHP Captain David Cupit sent an official letter of commendation to Williams, saying, “Mississippi Highway Patrol would like to express our gratitude for your efforts in making sure Trooper Watson received care during this ordeal. The Mississippi Highway Patrol is grateful to officers like yourself who are capable, conscientious, and willing to go the extra mile. If we can ever be of any assistance to you or your department, please feel free to contact us.”
Williams said that he was humbled and honored and that he appreciated all of the other emergency responder agencies who were present at the luncheon. “It is great to know that there are all these other organizations out there that have your back when you are out there doing what we do. Thank you, Chief Jeff Johns, Deputy Chief Mike Williams, Delta State University and the Exchange Club.”
Johns said, “Lieutenant Christopher Williams embodies the fundamental principles that define exemplary law enforcement. In a commendable act of bravery, he swiftly responded to aid an injured colleague, exemplifying the commitment every officer should hold towards serving and protecting our communities. His selfless actions, demonstrated last May as he rendered aid while en route to duty, undoubtedly qualify him as deserving of the Medal of Valor.”
The luncheon also recognized emergency responders from the Bolivar County Fire Department, Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, Cleveland Police Department, Boyle Police Department, Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department, Pafford Emergency Services, Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), and Bolivar County Emergency Operations Center.
