Lauderdale County officials joined Meridian and community leaders Tuesday in recognizing the life and legacy of Meridian Police Officer Kennis Croom. Croom, a native of Tuscaloosa, was killed June 9, 2022, while responding to a domestic violence call.
Meridian Police Chief Malachi Sanders said although he was working with the Mississippi Highway Patrol at the time, Croom’s death was felt by law enforcement throughout the state.
“Even though I didn’t know him, he was an officer. He was a public servant,” Sanders said. “He gave his life so all of us are family in law enforcement here.”
Many law enforcement officers in the Meridian and Lauderdale County area did know Croom and were on the job when he was killed. Sanders said some of his officers approached him about holding a memorial event for the fallen officer, and he agreed.
Sanders said he hopes Tuesday’s event will remind residents of the real dangers that come with being a law enforcement officer and understand it’s a calling those carrying the badge don’t take lightly.
“A lot of people take it for granted that you put your life on the line,” he said. “We don’t want the public to every forget that because that’s important and Officer Croom gave his life, as well as a lot of other officers all over the state and the country.”
Kelvin Croom, father of Kennis Croom, said his son wanted to be a police officer from a very young age and died doing what he loved.
“He did give his life doing what he enjoyed, and that is protecting the people,” he said.
In honor of Kennis Croom, a scholarship fund has been set up to help youth pursue their dreams. Kelvin Croom said five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded this year on Kennis’ birthday.
“Do the very best that you can to help make sure that children have a great experience in living but people can live without fear of someone murdering them or stealing or robbing or attacking them in any form or fashion,” he said. “We all need to get along.”