Pike County Sheriff’s Office officials said they supported the 2026 Summit Mardi Gras Parade to help ensure a safe, enjoyable celebration for attendees. Sheriff Bryant “Wally” Jones, Chief Damian Gatlin and support staff participated, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Department said in a Facebook post.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is the county’s primary law enforcement agency, responsible for public safety, patrol and emergency response across the county. Local sheriff’s offices commonly work with event organizers and other agencies to manage traffic, monitor crowds and respond to emergencies during large community gatherings.
Parades such as Summit’s Mardi Gras are community events that draw residents and visitors for cultural celebration and recreation. A visible law enforcement presence can help organizers maintain order, provide assistance and reduce the risk of incidents, officials said.
The department included the hashtag #ServiceBeforeSelf with its post. Details about the scope of the office’s duties at the parade were not specified. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Jon Ross Myers founded Mississippi News Group in 2013. Before founding the organization, he worked at The Daily Mississippian, The Marion Salute and The Southern Sentinel. A Mississippi journalist and writer based in Ripley, he received second place in poetry in the 2025 William Faulkner Literary Competition for "The Garden."
