Sgt. Investigator Joshua Thames accepts Mississippi Deputy of the Year, Top Cop awards
Sgt. Investigator Joshua Thames said in a Facebook post that receiving the 2025-2026 Mississippi Deputy of the Year Award and the 2026 Top Cop Award in the same year is “one of the greatest honors” of his life.
Thames said he is “overwhelmed with gratitude, humility, and emotion” and thanked the Lord for guiding him through challenges. He credited his faith with carrying him through long nights, difficult calls and uncertain moments, according to the post.
He also thanked department leadership for their guidance and for trusting him to serve the community, and he called fellow deputies and coworkers “family.” “These awards belong to all of us because no one does this job alone,” Thames said. He added, “I accept these awards with a grateful heart and promise to continue serving Scott County with honor, humility, and dedication.”
Thames specifically thanked Joe McGee, McGee’s family and the Scott County Board of Supervisors for their support as he received the Deputy of the Year Award, and he expressed appreciation to his parents, his best friend and his family for their sacrifices and encouragement.
Thames identifies himself in the post as a sergeant investigator and public information officer. The Deputy of the Year and Top Cop awards are statewide recognitions commonly given to law enforcement officers for service and dedication. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
