At a special ceremony held at the Ronald W. Jones Memorial Public Safety Complex in Prentiss, Southern District Transportation Commissioner Tom King announced the designation of the section of U.S. Highway 84 in Jeff Davis County as the Officer Ronald Wayne Jones Memorial Highway.

According to Com-missioner King, House Bill 974 was approved unanimously by the Mississippi Legislature to name this section of highway in honor of Jones who gave his life in the performance of his duties as an officer serving in the Prentiss Police Dept. In December 2001 during a drug raid Jones was killed when a gunshot hit him just below his bulletproof vest. He was 29 years old.

Former pastor of Prentiss Baptist Church Rev. Randy Rich spoke of Jones’ trust in God and encouraged those who view the signs in his honor to use them as a reminder to pray for our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for us.

Sandra Hollingsworth, one of Jones’ teachers at Prentiss Christian, spoke of his fun loving nature but also his respect and thoughtfulness to her in class.

King stated, “You don’t go into law enforcement for the money. You have to be called. Ronald Jones’ service to his country is recognized and appreciated.”

Jones’ father, a former Chief of Police, stated it is no easier now than twelve years ago but the love and respect felt for his son shown by the crowd gathered for the ceremony is noted and much appreciated by the family.