The close-knit law enforcement community in Mississippi is mourning the loss of one of their own – retired State Trooper Michael Griffin, who died tragically while trying to help accident victims on Labor Day.
The 62-year-old Griffin was driving near Ripley on Monday morning when he came upon a devastating crash on Highway 6 in Panola County. Seeing two wrecked vehicles and injured people in need, Griffin’s instinct was to stop and offer aid.
But as the former trooper checked on one of the victims, tragedy struck. The damaged car unexpectedly rolled over Griffin, killing the dedicated public servant at the scene.
For those who knew Griffin, his selfless final act epitomized a life spent in service to others. The Marine veteran retired from the Highway Patrol in 2021 but found new purpose as a liaison building bridges in law enforcement.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves mourned the loss of a man he considered family – someone trying to the very end to make a difference in people’s lives. It was the kind of person Griffin was all day, every day.
While his career included many commendations, it’s the legacy of compassion that Griffin leaves behind. On a holiday meant to celebrate the workforce, Mississippi grapples with the death of a man who continued serving well after he could have relaxed into retirement.
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