NATCHEZ — Tommy Ferrell is just a people person.

“I’ve been a public servant my entire life,” he said.

The former Adams County sheriff retired in 2004 after 37 years in law enforcement. But he just couldn’t stay away from “being in the know” and serving the public.

“I missed it,” he said. “I missed being involved.”

Ferrell is chairman of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. The volunteer ambassadors give their time to support the chamber at ribbon-cuttings, grand openings and other chamber events. The ambassadors also recruit new chamber members and educate the community on chamber functions.

“It’s a lot of retired people, who are highly qualified, or, actually, overly qualified, and served their community for so many years,” Ferrell said.

Ambassadors tour different businesses, such as industries at the port, to learn the businesses, Ferrell said.

“Having that knowledge helps recruit new business, and it also helps recruit new volunteers,” he said. “We don’t just take retirees; we just take whoever has the time.”

Ferrell said he is proud to serve the chamber because it is one of the most important entities in the community.

“The chamber is an organization that encourages cohesiveness amongst local businesses,” he said. “The chamber represents Natchez and Adams County, and tries to form a coalition that allows local businesses to show what they have to offer and learn from sharing with each other.”

Being an ambassador, Ferrell said, fills his need to be a public servant.

“Being a former public servant, I really enjoy giving back to the community,” he said.

Ferrell said the ambassadors are always looking for new volunteers. Anyone wishing to be an ambassador should call 601-445-4611 or visit the chamber office at 211 Main St.

Ferrell said the best residents of a city are those who stay involved and stay in the know.

“How else would you know, unless you get involved?” he said. “You can’t just sit around and know what is going on unless you get out and offer your service to the community,” he said.