To whom it may concern. I have a question to ask. Does the Natchez Police Department or the Adams County Sheriff’s Office not have anyone to watch and stop traffic at the red lights for a funeral procession?

Within the last month or 30 days, I have had to bury both of my grandfathers. On both occasions the funerals were held in Ferriday and the burial was at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Natchez. On our way to the cemetery, I noticed how well the Vidalia Police Department and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office did to make sure that every light was tended to and that all family and guests were able to stay ‘together’ in the procession line. Some family, including myself, live out of town, so being in the procession line ‘together’ is important. We do not want to get lost on the way to bury a loved one.

As we crossed the bridge into Natchez, I noticed we were starting to slow down and that some were coming to a stop. I looked to see what was happening and noticed that there were no officers from NPD or the ACSO at the first light by the bridge. Fortunately a deputy from Concordia Parish came and stopped traffic for us to process. As we were continuing to the cemetery I realized there were no officers at any of the lights. Really?

Once we reached the light by Walmart, I thought there was going to be an accident.

The Vidalia police officer who was escorting us to the cemetery, with his lights on, had no effect on those driving through there. Cars were coming from left and right, once again causing the procession line to be split up. No one who is on their way to bury a loved one should have to fear being in an accident, especially when it could be prevented.

So again, my question is does the NPD or ACSO not have the man power available to post someone at the lights? Not even one unit that you could spare? Or is it that you just don’t care? If so, shame on you.

I do want to say thank you to all officers everywhere who work to make our communities better for us, but I want to give a special thanks to the Vidalia Police Department and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office. They did a wonderful, respectful job and for that I am most gracious.
Shana Bray

Bastrop, La.,resident