05/16/2026
Every year, May 15 is designated as Police Memorial Day. The week surrounding that day every year is known as Police Week and is celebrated by recognizing the bravery and heroism of Law Enforcement Officers across the country.
Fallen officers are remembered and honored. The fallen officers from the previous year are memorialized by engraving their names on the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Each year, law enforcement officers from Tacoma to Tampa make a pilgrimage to Washington to pay tribute to these American heroes.
For law enforcement officers in North Mississippi and more specifically Lafayette and Panola Counties, May 15 is a day of celebration and gratitude.
On May 15, 2020, the grim reaper of death came calling on Deputy U.S. Marshal Bob Dickerson. Deputy Dickerson was part of the USMS Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force. The task force was tracking a violent homicide suspect out of Arkansas.
On that day, they were conducting surveillance on the suspect, attempting to locate him and his accomplice, who were in a vehicle traveling in the area. They located the pair and were following, trying to find a safe location to make a traffic stop on the vehicle.
As the pair approached Oxford and a more populated area, the team decided to perform a felony traffic stop on the vehicle. The female accomplice was driving. As they initiated the stop, the vehicle came to a stop, and the female exited the vehicle. The lone male suspect remained in the front passenger seat. The suspect was non-compliant.
Deputy Dickerson moved to a better vantage point to observe the suspect and relay his actions or inactions to the team that was stacked up behind the vehicle, behind cover. A stand-off ensued. The Task Force Officers giving commands, and the suspect not complying with them.
As Deputy Dickerson inched out from cover to observe the suspect, a million in one shot rang out and Deputy Dickerson was hit. The Task Force Officers responded, and the suspect was fatally wounded.
Due to the close proximity of the hospital and the quick thinking actions of now Deputy Commander Shane Theobald, Deputy Dickerson was rushed to the emergency room where, struggling, he walked on his own two feet.
Deputy Dickerson has had several surgeries to repair the damage done to his intestines by that bullet on that fateful day. He continues to serve the Northern District of Mississippi with honor, integrity , and courage.
We are so thankful that the good Lord had his hand on him that day, and the Grim Reaper was sent scurrying away.
We salute you, Deputy Bob Dickerson!
