On Friday, April 21, at 10 a.m. Mayor Johnny Magee met with Marvin Lindsey and his family to declare the day, Lindsey’s 76th birthday, as Marvin Lindsey day in the City of Laurel.
Lindsey served on the city’s police department for many years and was the city’s first black police chief.
Lindsey was a member of the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. During that time, he took note of the military police and developed an interest in law enforcement. Following his discharge from the Army, he pursued a career in law enforcement that culminated in him serving his city as Chief of Police. “It’s a rewarding profession, “he said. “You have to be dedicated to what you are doing because it’s not what you would call a glamourous job.”
He stated that being in law enforcement was a challenge and that being the first black police chief was also challenging. “Everyday is a challenge,” he explained about the job in general. “You take the good, the bad, and the ugly! But you take the good with the bad. You can’t let it keep you from doing your job.”
He advised current law enforcement officers to persevere through their own challenging times. “You have to have a thick skin. You will make a lot of enemies but you will make a lot of friends. I made more friends than enemies.” Ultimately, he said it comes down to doing what is right for the people that you serve and not getting discouraged. “Be patient and not discouraged. No matter what you do, you are going to have challenges.”
He thanked former Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack for placing him in his role as police chief and current Mayor Johnny Magee for his many years of service to the city and for the proclamation presentation.
Lindsey is still serving his community in his role as church school superintendent at Wesley Chapel AME in Heidelberg where he has worked with the church’s youth members since 1980. He was joined in the proclamation presentation by his wife Patricia Lindsey, his classmate Berdia George, sister-in-law Azalea White, brother-in-law Rev. Zachary Jackson, nephew Tyrone King, son Brian Lindsey, and niece Franchell King.
The proclamation read as follows:
WHEREAS, Marvin Lindsey is retired Police Chief for the City of Laurel, MS; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Lindsey served as a patrolman, Juvenile Officer, Detective Division, and Assistant Police Chief before being appointed by Mayor Melvin Mack as Laurel’s first Black Police Chief; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Lindsey retired after 29 years of devoted service to the Laurel Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Lindsey is a graduate of South Side High School class of 1967 in Heidelberg, MS, and Jones County Junior College class of 1976 receiving his degree in Criminal Justice from Jones Junior College and further studies at USM; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Lindsey enlisted in the United States Army after high school and served with the 101st Airborne Division; and received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army after serving from July 25, 1967 to March 26, 1974, with two of those years of service in the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Lindsey received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooters Badge.
WHEREAS, Marvin Lindsey is a member of Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church, Heidelberg, MS, where he serves as Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee Board, Usher Board, and Member of the Male Chorus; and
WHEREAS, Marvin Lindsey is married to Patricia Newell Lindsey and has two sons, David Michael Lindsey and Brian Timothy Lindsey, five grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild; and
WHEREAS, the family of Marvin Lindsey wish to convey their love and thanks to him for his sacrifice and dedication to serving his fellow man
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Johnny Magee, Mayor of the City of Laurel, do hereby declare Friday, April 21, 2023 as
Marvin Lindsey Day
in the City of Laurel and encourage all citizens to join me in recognizing the contributions of this remarkable man on the occasion of his birthday and in extending our best wishes for many birthday celebrations to come.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SET MY HAND AND CAUSED THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI, TO BE AFFIXED THIS THE 21st DAY OF APRIL , A.D. 2023
