Jackson Jambalaya

 The city of Ridgeland issued the following statement. 

After 33 ½ years in service to the Ridgeland Police Department, Chief John Neal announced his retirement to Mayor Gene McGee and the Board of Aldermen effective June 30, 2022. 

Working his entire career in law enforcement with the Ridgeland Police Department, Chief Neal was hired as a patrol officer by former Chief Harold Acy on January 27, 1989.  He further served in numerous roles, including Patrol Officer, DUI Enforcement Officer, Accident Reconstructionist, Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Investigator, and as Commander over both Criminal Investigations Division and Patrol Operations Division.  During his tenure, Chief Neal served under former Ridgeland Chief’s Harold Acy, Charles Newell, Jimmy Houston and Randy Tyler and credits the majority of his success to the foundation his predecessors laid.  Chief Neal was appointed as Chief of Police in 2015, and took over the department on July 1.  

Chief Neal expressed his gratitude to the Mayor, Board, and the community in this statement, “The Mayor and Board of Aldermen are very supportive of our law enforcement efforts to keep Ridgeland safe.  The relationship I have formed with the city leaders and administrators has certainly made my efforts much easier to navigate.  

“Law enforcement officers are a ‘different breed,’ and due to the nature of the work, we often see things through a different set of glasses.  The Mayor and Board of Aldermen understand this and have trusted me to always serve our citizens, visitors, and business community with the best interest of the city in mind.

 “After attending the University of Southern Mississippi, I felt it was very important to come back to Madison County and seek a law enforcement career in the community I grew up.  I am extremely blessed to have worked my entire career with a community that always rises to the top to support their first responders.  

“I cannot say enough about the support our department receives from the community.  I am frequently approached by our residents who want to praise the outstanding work of our officers.  These gestures of appreciation are due to the quality of officers we hire, as well as the expectations our internal leaders place upon them.  The task of leading this department has been a blessing in so many ways, but watching young officers develop is extremely fulfilling.

“Although there are no immediate plans in retirement, I will spend a little time catching up on overdue projects and spending time with my family.  I am still young in the mind and will continue further in my professional life, but there are very capable leaders within the department who deserve the chance to lead.  I have been fortunate to lead several projects over the years to hopefully better our department, and that opportunity should be afforded to those officers who have dedicated their careers to Ridgeland, just as I did.

“As this chapter in my life ends and another one begins, I want to express how grateful I am for my wife Nelda and my children for their patience and understanding as I pursued my passion to serve.  My family allowed me to chase a dream as a young 23-year-old, even with all the effort to talk me out of this career.  

“I wish to thank Mayor Gene McGee, the Ridgeland Board of Aldermen, and the city administration for having the faith in me to bring my vision to our department to make us one of the best agencies in the state.  To the citizens and business community in Ridgeland, thank you for trusting me to provide for your safety.  

“Finally, to the men and women who are or have been employed by the Ridgeland Police Department, thank you for always putting your best foot forward.  It is because of you I depart with a strong sense of pride.”