New law enforcement officers committed to serving in Special Operations and police department

Noah Pickett, a resident of Philadelphia, is returning to his hometown with a noble mission – to serve as a dedicated law enforcement officer and make a positive impact on his community.

Two recent graduates of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy, from Basic Class 276, will be serving in Neshoba County.

Pickett is set to become a member of the Sheriff’s Department, while Kelby Cole, hailing from Meridian, will be joining the Philadelphia Police Department.

Both of them were excited to contribute to the community and shared their feelings about their graduation as a combination of joyful pride and a tinge of sadness.

The training in Pearl lasted for 11 weeks, starting from October 6th and ending on December 19th. It was a rigorous program that required early mornings at 4 a.m. and often extended late into the night. Both Pickett and Cole found the mental adjustment to be the most challenging aspect of the training.

Cole emphasized that there is no way to fully prepare for the challenges of being an officer. From the very beginning, new recruits are thrust into the action, with the intention of simulating the real-life situations that officers encounter on a daily basis.

During week eight, Cole shared that his firearms training was the most memorable part of his experience. He emphasized how the entire class united as a cohesive team, having triumphed over numerous mental obstacles.

Pickett found the driving portion of his training to be the most enjoyable. However, he considers his proudest achievement to be receiving the academic award for having the highest class average.

Cole praised Deputy Pickett’s positive and upbeat attitude throughout the training. According to Cole, Pickett played a vital role in keeping many people grounded and mentally stable during that time.

During their training, the two individuals formed a strong connection even though they had never met before. This bond was forged when they realized that they would both be working in Neshoba County. They further solidified their connection by sharing their memories of the Neshoba County Fair.

After graduating from Neshoba Central High School in 2019, Pickett was driven by his passion for assisting others, which led him to pursue a criminal justice degree at East Central Community College. Later on, he earned a criminology degree from Mississippi State University.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to begin my career in the county I call home,” expressed Pickett. “There’s truly no better place to start than right here, within the familiarity and support of my community.”

Sheriff Eric Clark was praised by Pickett for being an outstanding boss. Pickett expressed his commitment to working together with Sheriff Clark in order to enhance the safety of Neshoba County.

“We do run the blue lights and sirens,” he explained, emphasizing that the police are not just an authority figure, but rather, they are part of the community. “We are one of you, and our main goal is to ensure the safety of everyone.”

Pickett’s current goal is to establish strong connections within his community, even as he aspires to work for the state police or federal agencies like the DEA or ATF.

“According to him, the place where you were raised is where you should aspire to make a difference. He believes that Neshoba County is a wonderful place, but he wants to contribute in elevating it to a higher level. He wonders why it can’t be as prosperous as Madison or Ridgeland.”

“Neshoba County Sheriff Clark expressed his enthusiasm about the hiring of Pickett, stating, “Pickett is an exceptional addition to our team. I am eager to witness his development and progression as a police officer. He possesses immense potential.”

When he’s not working, Pickett indulges in a variety of hobbies and activities. He finds great joy in deer hunting, playing video games, hitting the gym, and cherishing moments with his loved ones, including his family and girlfriend.

Cole, originally from Utah, made the move to Meridian with his wife, Danielle, after spending 12 years as a diesel mechanic in Washington.

It was approximately two years after settling in the new location that he made the decision to embark on a career in law enforcement, driven by his desire to have a more significant and meaningful impact on society.

Cole expressed his strong desire to create a positive impact in the field of policing. He firmly believes that the police force is in dire need of positive change, and he is determined to be the catalyst for that change.

Cole firmly believes in the mantra of “being the change you want to see,” and he is committed to embodying that positive force in the world of law enforcement.

During his time as a security guard at the Neshoba County Fair, Cole had the chance to meet Philadelphia Police officers Jessie Hamilton and David Brackett. They were impressed by his skills and encouraged him to apply for a position at the department.

According to the officer, there has been significant improvement in the police department’s relationships with the community.

He expresses his admiration for the wealth of knowledge possessed by his colleagues, including Capt. Hamilton, Cap. Brackett, and Chief Lyons. He also acknowledges the continuous learning opportunities that come with a career in law enforcement.

Cole and Danielle are the proud parents of three children – Caden, Colton, and Charlie. As a family, they love to travel, explore new destinations, and soak up the sun at the beach. One of their favorite activities together is attending concerts, where they enjoy the music and create lasting memories.

Both officers have a strong passion for fostering meaningful connections with the community and strive to be approachable individuals, rather than just being seen as law enforcement.

Cole emphasized the enormity of serving the residents of Philadelphia. He stated that it extends beyond issuing tickets and involves providing assistance with various tasks such as changing a tire, helping with groceries, offering rides, and fixing cars on the roadside.

Cole’s ultimate objective is to ensure that people feel secure and protected throughout their journeys in the city of Philadelphia.

Pickett shared Cole’s sentiments, emphasizing the opportunity to assist individuals during their most challenging moments and transform their experiences into positive ones. According to Pickett, being able to reassure people that everything will be alright is incredibly rewarding.

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