By Othor Cain,
Editor,
Each year Granard McClendon, who serves as the victim assistance coordinator for the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office, coordinate efforts – during the holiday season – to recognize and honor victims that have gone through traumatic experiences.
“Usually we just focus on the children, by providing them toys and other types of gifts,” McClendon said. “This year our program was three-fold in purpose. We honored the adults, our outgoing DA and we welcomed our incoming DA.”
Wednesday, Dec. 11, the second floor of the Hinds County Court House was transformed into a “Miracle on Pascogula Street.” Children leaped for joy with excitement as they opened gifts that were on their wish lists, parents celebrated receiving gift cards for shopping and all in attendance enjoyed the holiday spread of magnificent food. “This is absolutely amazing…I’ve been brought to tears,” one victim that did not want to be recognized said. “If this had not happened, I don’t know how I would have been able to provide Christmas for my child,” she shared tearfully.
This year’s event was extra special as current Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith was honored for serving in this position since 2008. “DA Smith has led this office with pride and determination,” McClendon said. “We are going to miss him very much. We wanted to celebrate him because he is always being asked to give or do something and usually does not receive anything in return.”
A man of many words was a man of few words today. “I showed up not knowing what to expect today and I can honestly say that I’m speechless,” Smith said. Smith’s officemates and assistant DAs were on hand for the celebration as well as his family.
“I’m truly humbled by all of this and thank every citizen in this county for their overwhelming support of me,” Smith said. “My family and I are eternally grateful.”
Incoming Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens was on hand to offer words of gratitude to his predecessor. “I have big shows to fill,” Owens said. “We are going to build on the work of DA Smith…not only that, we are going to lean on him as we move forward. I’m looking forward to serving the citizens of Hinds County.”
McClendon said, “it was important for us as a full unit to welcome Mr. Owens into the fold.”
Owens will be sworn into office next month.
See photos page 5.
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