Guest Writer,
After 29 years of dedicated service with the Jackson Police Department, culminating in two impactful years as its chief, Chief Joe Wade, is retiring, his final day set for September 5, 2025.
Wade’s career truly embodies the idea of “climbing the ranks.” Starting as a police recruit, he rose through every level within JPD until he became chief, proudly calling himself “homegrown” after graduating from the department’s 23rd Recruit Class in 1995.
A beloved figure in the community, Wade, restored morale in the department. He brought back experienced officers, bolstered staffing by hiring an additional 37 officers (bringing total to 258), and restored trust within the force. Under his leadership, crime dropped significantly, including a roughly 45% reduction in homicides so far this year compared to the same period in 2024…