Mayor Barker Announces Leadership for Hattiesburg Police Department

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Mayor Toby Barker announces Chief Anthony Parker as his nomination for reappointment to lead the Hattiesburg Police Department. Parker was appointed as police chief in 2015, and under Barker’s administration, he will continue to lead the department of more than 150 officers and employees.

"I am pleased to re-appoint Chief Anthony Parker as Hattiesburg’s police chief,” said Barker. “Our department is moving in a positive direction, and with his steady demeanor, strength of character and ability to empower those around him, we will continue to see the renaissance of both the Hattiesburg Police Department and City of Hattiesburg.”

Parker brings more than 35 years of law enforcement experience to the table. In addition to serving as the current chief of police for the Hattiesburg Police Department, he has also held the chief position for the Crystal Springs Police Department. He also served as a special agent for Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and as a state trooper with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.

“The last four months prove how dedicated Mayor Barker is to growing our police department in manpower numbers and in the arena of community policing,” said Chief Parker. “These two things match up with my core values and policing philosophies. I’m humbled and honored that he is choosing me to continue leading an organization with a strong legacy of excellence.”

To help lead the reigns of Hattiesburg Police Department, Chief Parker appointed Peggy Sealy for the second assistant chief position that was created and confirmed by Hattiesburg City Council in October. Sealy was confirmed by the Civil Service Commission, with a 5-0 vote, at their latest meeting held this past Monday.

“I am looking forward to working with both Chief Parker and Mayor Barker to help lead a department I’ve spent my entire career with,” said Sealy. “It’s an honor to work with and serve the citizens of Hattiesburg, once again.”

Sealy added that she and Chief Parker both have a strong vision for community policing and that she looks forward to working with the department and the citizens of Hattiesburg to carry out that vision.

“Peggy is a great addition to our team,” said Parker. “She’ll be at the forefront of our public relations and community policing efforts. And, her ability to guide and motivate young officers into reaching their own potential will only add to the breadth of our department’s capabilities.”

Sealy began her law enforcement career with Hattiesburg Police Department in 1988 and retired in 2015 as Captain of Patrol. Her appointment will begin December 1.

“Peggy Sealy stands as a shining example to younger officers when it comes to experience, loyalty and building relationships,” said Barker. “Her presence will boost morale and develop the leadership acumen within the department, and I am excited about her appointment by Chief Parker to fill the assistant chief position."

The chief of police nomination will be voted on at the Hattiesburg City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 21.