A procession of emergency vehicles made its way through Columbus on Thursday, lights and sirens activated in what is called “Honor Mode.”
The destination is the home of Charlie Watkins Sr., 91, the longest serving chief for the Columbus Police Department since 1840.
“It was just a small thing, it really was,” said CPD Chief Joseph Daughtry Sr. “But I didn’t realize how much it meant to not only his wife, but also to his children and him for us to be there. I just really wish we had the opportunity to take him out and ride like we had wanted to, but we weren’t given that opportunity. I am thankful that we had the time to go and just put a smile on his face.”
The gesture was just in time.
Watkins died Sunday after suffering from a lengthy illness. He served as police chief in Columbus from April 1971 to June 1990. He served 26 total years in law enforcement.
He is credited with increasing the number of police officers, police vehicles and the standard of police equipment for CPD during his tenure. He also implemented numerous training programs for police officers, including an in-car seminar tape for police officers to listen to in their patrol cars. The seminar was chosen nationwide as a contribution to educate officers.
In a broader scope, Watkins served as president for the Tennessee and Mississippi Sheriff and Peace Officer Association from 1976 to 77, president for the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police in 1976 and President of Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Association from 1982 to 83.
“I was saddened to hear of his passing, but I know he was blessed to have a long life,” Mayor Keith Gaskin said. “The City of Columbus will be eternally grateful to him and his family for their many years of service to the city.”
Daughtry said CPD will lower its flags to half mast in honor of Watkins.
He said he met Watkins while responding to a call for a deceased person a couple of weeks ago. It was Watkins’ son. The current and former chief bonded during that time, and Daughtry decided to do the “Honor Mode” parade.
Some of the officers present at the house Thursday were hired by Watkins, and despite his deteriorating health, he still remembered them, Daughtry said.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Lowndes Funeral Home in Columbus. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel and he will be buried in Friendship Cemetery in Columbus.
Watkins will be carried to his final resting place by the Columbus Police Department Honor Guard.
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