The Columbus Exchange Club paid tribute to the men and women keeping an eye on our highways Thursday as they hosted the Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop G Trooper of the Year presentation at the Columbus Country Club.
Trooper James Burrow, of Shannon, has been a full-fledged trooper just two years, but earned “100 Club” honors both years for 100 DUI stops.
“That shows he”s serious about it,” said Master Sgt. Larry Conn, who presented Burrow with the award.
The Trooper of the Year is nominated and elected by fellow troopers. Conn said Burrow, who patrols Chickasaw county and is part of the disaster response team, is well known after his short stint with Troop G for his “never-stop mind set” and his willingness to “help whoever in whatever way.”
A former trucker, Burrow, 55, said being a state trooper was his lifelong dream, but MHP had an age restriction of 35 years old.
“At that time I had a choice between raising my two boys or becoming a trooper. I chose to raise my boys,” said Burrow, a father of four.
For years after he missed his chance, Burrow said he felt as though someone was “squeezing his heart” every time he saw a state trooper.
Nearly 20 years later, as Burrows was renewing his commercial driver”s license, a friend alerted him the age restriction had been lifted.
“The first mountain had been moved,” said Burrow.
At the MHP academy, nobody cut him any slack and he earned his spot. He regrets only that he won”t be able to offer 20 years of service.
“I doubt if there”s another trooper who respects this uniform like I do,” said Burrow.
Burrow was honored Friday at a luncheon in Jackson for Troopers of the Year from all troops. Troop G is based in Starkville.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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