Prayer circle gathers for tribute to JPD Sgt. Warren Olden
JACKSON, Tenn. – Community leaders and members of law enforcement came together to bow their heads and pay tribute to a fallen hero.
The Jackson Police Department, along with Pastor Clarence Currie and his prayer team, paid tribute to Sgt. Warren Olden, who died Monday morning while on duty.
Olden served with the department since 1994 and is most remembered for his kindness.
WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Reporter Kaitlin Nichelson spoke to Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley who said that the department will miss this gentle giant.
“Large in stature and large at heart. Our biggest memories of Sgt. Olden were about how he connected with people. He really cared for people and so that’s what we remember,” the chief said.
JPD and community members prayed for the strength of Olden’s family as well as the continued strength of their police department.
“You know, there are a lot of times we have to do things as law enforcement officers that aren’t pleasant. We sometimes deal with people on their worst days and he could talk to people and maybe take a bad day and maybe make it a little bit better,” Corley said.
Pastor Currie said he would do his best to keep members of the police department encouraged.
“We are here today to uplift the [Jackson Police Department] for their loss, and that’s our purpose for the entire year, to keep them lifted,” he said.
In front of the station in downtown Jackson, there is a memorial that people can stop by to pay tribute to Olden.
There, visitors can find a patrol car with a Thin Blue Line flag on the hood, representing law enforcement’s efforts to keep crime from pervading into society.
When it came to protecting and serving, Olden’s name was highly recommended.
“He just served people and he mentored officers in that,” Corley said.
Truly, Sgt. Olden will forever be missed. He was also a star athlete at Union University.
The Jackson Police Department recently released a statement in honor of Olden. They said in part:
“Sergeant Warren Olden was larger than life in many ways. At 6 foot 7 inches tall, his presence could not be ignored. But, his big heart for others is what really set him apart.”
You can read the full statement here.
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