New chair for chief
As Olive Branch grows, its police chief rises in statewide prominence
The recent election of Olive Branch’s Don Gammage to a statewide chiefs association is the latest evidence of the rising prominence of the city’s police force.
Gammage, appointed four years ago to the top cop job, won the position of second vice president of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police by a landslide. The position puts him on track to become president in two years.
Gammage had served last year on the Northern Executive Board of the Association, and Olive Branch hosted last year’s winter conference of the group.
“I hold him with the utmost respect,” said Crystal Springs Police Chief Cairl Robinson, who nominated Gammage to the latest position. “He seems to be doing a fantastic job up there. He’s setting the standard for the rest of us.”
The Police Department has been capturing the spotlight among its peers recently.
This month, it hosted the 12th annual National Law fit Challenge in which 118 officers representing 30 law enforcement agencies across the country competed.
The force’s handling of social media also has gained attention. With almost 13,000 fans, the department’s Facebook page was recognized as among the best in the country by the Gulf States Regional Center for Public Safety. At a conference, Gulf States’ executive director used Olive Branch as an example for other law enforcement agencies to follow.
Olive Branch police also tweet as part of a broader effort to include the community in its mission of a safe city.
Gammage, who has 28 years of law enforcement experience, said the attention and reputation has risen as the department has sought to better itself.
“I think they recognize the professionalism,” Gammage said. “We’re always striving to be the best.”
Under former chief Art Heun, the Olive Branch Police Department received state accreditation for the first time, a mark that signifies professionalism and accountability. Under Gammage, the department renewed the accreditation. Each day, Gammage said, the department models 123 standards.
With a $ 6.5 million budget (not including a separate budget for dispatchers) and a force of 76 officers, Olive Branch and its chief are known for helping other smaller agencies. Gammage is quick to note that support comes from the top — the mayor and aldermen support the idea that “we’re all in this together, whether you’re in North Mississippi or in South Mississippi.”
Olive Branch was once one of those smaller departments. Sixteen years ago, just as the city was beginning to see a surge in population, the police force numbered 29.
Gammage is delighted that the department hasn’t just grown in numbers but in reputation.
“We’ve come a long way — little ole Olive Branch,” Gammage said.