City of Laurel, family, friends gather for Laurel Police Chief Tyrone Stewart's funeral service

LAUREL, MISS. – Residents, family members, and law enforcement personnel throughout the state of Mississippi and beyond came together at Life Church, Friday at noon to say their farewells to Laurel’s Police Chief, Tyrone Stewart.

“I was blessed, not only to call this man my police chief but even more important to me, I was blessed to proudly call him my friend,” David Hagan, the pastor of Life Church said.

Stewart began his career in law enforcement back in 1994 and received the honor of becoming Laurel’s police chief in 2011. “The City of Laurel thanks you chief for your service,” Laurel’s Mayor Johnny Magee said during his speech at Stewart’s funeral. “I would like to ask all of you to stand, and give one last ovation for Police Chief Tyrone Stewart.” Immediately, everyone stood to their feet and let out a loud applause. After the hand claps ceased, members of the Laurel Police Department (LPD) came on stage. “Tyrone was my friend,” LPD’s Lt. Earl Reed said while fighting back tears. “I’m going to miss Tyrone.” Some speeches contained a lot of emotion, while others seemed to have a fiery passion. “He told me a long time ago… son when you do your part, that’s all you need to do,” Chief Stewart’s brother, Kim Stewart hollered. “Do your part! So, I’m telling everybody in here, I’m doing my part. I want all my brothers and sisters to do your part.” In the words of Kim Stewart, let’s continue to do our part, just as Chief Tyrone Stewart did his part here on earth for 48 years.