By Staff
FINAL BOW n Meridian Police Chief Gregg Lewis, left, shakes the hand of Officer Don Hopkins during the chief's retirement ceremony Friday. MPD officers waiting to greet the chief are, from the right, Jennifer Debord, Detective Shane Massey, Detective Thom Bittock, Cpl. Buck Roberts and Cpl. William Brunelle. Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
July 21, 2001
After seven years in his dream job as Meridian police chief, Gregg Lewis is ready to pursue another one teaching high school history.
Lewis spent his last day as chief on Friday shaking hands, hugging necks and saying goodbye in a retirement celebration at station headquarters. And he thought about the future.
Lewis joined the Meridian Police Department in 1980 and became chief in 1994. Assistant Chief Benny DuBose is serving in Lewis' place until Mayor John Robert Smith names a permanent replacement.
Lewis' retirement ceremony began at 10 a.m. outside the police station, where the chief made a formal inspection of the police force. Lewis said goodbye to each officer, shaking their hands and wishing them well.
Following the inspection, the crowd moved to the Municipal Courtroom where fellow officers staged a comical multi-media presentation of Lewis's rise through the department.
Several officers stepped to the podium and paid tribute to the chief. They talked about Lewis' dedication to his job, an attribute he hopes will carry over to his future teaching career.
Just before the ceremony ended, the mayor presented Lewis with a certificate of merit.
Lewis said after the ceremony that he was proud of his accomplishments, although he declined to cite any specific examples. He said a new chief will help the department grow.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star., call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228 or E-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.