Jones County deputy receives ICE partnership award

LAUREL, Miss. – A deputy from Jones County Sheriff's Office was recognized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the 2011 Partnership for Public Safety Award.

Lt. Scott Paxson was selected by ICE Director John Morton as an outstanding law enforcement partner who went above and beyond his normal duties to support and contribute to ICE's mission. Paxson received a certificate and medallion from Director Morton. 

The longstanding cooperative relationship between the Jones County Sheriff's Office and ICE HSI has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in seized criminal proceeds, along with multiple narcotics seizures leading to the disruption and dismantlement of significant drug trafficking organizations. Paxson demonstrated his commitment to protecting the citizens of Jones County and also to the larger responsibility of securing the homeland that falls on the shoulders of first responders.

"We are very pleased to have a great working relationship with U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement as well as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)," said Sheriff Alex Hodge. "We take the safety of citizens very seriously, therefore we knew when taking office that we needed to implement a criminal patrol unit that would focus specifically on highway interdiction. I am very proud of Lt. Paxson and his efforts in combating drugs that may have been distributed in communities throughout the United States. The Partnership for Public Safety Award is truly an honor for both Lt Paxson and the entire Jones County Sheriff's Department, and we extend our gratitude to ICE Director John Morton for this special recognition."

"Of all the nominations from HSI field offices around the country to recognize local law enforcement partnerships, we are very pleased that Lt. Scott Paxson of the Jones County Sheriff's Office was selected to receive this prestigious award," said Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., special agent in charge of ICE HSI in New Orleans. "Sheriff Hodge and his team epitomize the concept of homeland security beginning with hometown security, and I am genuinely grateful for their partnership. It is especially gratifying to see this level of recognition of cooperation recognized at a national level. With so many of my family and friends living in this area, I'm particularly proud of the relationship we have with the Jones County Sheriff's Office."