Lt. Perkins receives DAR service medal

Lt. Perkins receives DAR service medal

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RIDGELAND – Lt. Sara Perkins of the Ridgeland Police Department received the prestigious Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Distinguished Citizen Medal on Monday morning for her service to the community and selfless acts. 

Sally Patterson, a member of the DAR River of Pearls Chapter, introduced Perkins and explained the significance of the medal and the qualifications needed to receive it. 

Patterson said the medal was introduced in 2013 to recognize individuals who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.  It is awarded to emergency first responders, emergency health responders, active duty military and veterans of the United States armed forces, and citizens who have contributed to the defense and security of the community, state, or nation in an exceptional manner. 

“What a more fitting time than to present this medal during National Police Officers Week,” Patterson said. “Please join us in congratulating Lt. Perkins as we present her with the DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal.”

Perkins, who has worked for RPD for almost 10 years,  said she was honored to receive the medal and loves working for the department. 

“I started dispatching when I was 18 at the Wiggins Police Department, and after I put myself through the police academy, Ridgeland gave me a chance,” Perkins said. “I absolutely love it here and I don’t plan on going anywhere else. I hope maybe one day I can get Chief.” 

The DAR decided to award the medal to Perkins when they noticed she was named recipient of the Mississippi First Responder of the Year Award in 2022, after she saved the life of a gunshot victim. This act was one of several times Perkins saved citizens’ lives in the area, who were victims of violence and vehicle crashes. 

Perkins has also continually served in community service projects in Ridgeland to benefit children in the area, and encourages and teaches other officers in RPD by example. 

Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers said the medal is a very thoughtful award from the DAR. 

“Lt. Perkins has been commanding the Support Services Division for a few months now and before that she was a sergeant for patrol, and has always played a vital role in the department and our community relations. She is a perfect fit for such an award.”

The DAR is the largest women’s service organization in the world, with over one million members since its founding in 1890. 

Perkins received the medal in the RPD headquarters building surrounded by her fellow officers. 






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