First Federal raises money for fallen deputy, Tunnels to Towers

Sep 27, 2024 at 2:24 AM

Community Rallies to Support Fallen Deputy's Family

In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, the people of Pascagoula, Mississippi, came together to support the family of fallen George County deputy Jeremy Malone. Through a series of fundraising efforts, including the sale of hot-plate lunches, the community has rallied to provide financial assistance and emotional support to Malone's wife, Hilary, and their daughters.

Pascagoula Unites to Lift the Burden for Deputy Malone's Family

Fundraising Efforts Exceed Expectations

The fundraising efforts at First Federal Savings & Loan in Pascagoula were a resounding success, with employees selling, preparing, and delivering around 240 to-go box lunches. The hard work and dedication of the team resulted in the raising of approximately $4,000, far exceeding the initial goal of $3,000. "Our goal was $3,000. We're going to blow that out of the water," said First Federal President & CEO Randy Haarala, expressing the organization's commitment to being an active part of the community and engaging in meaningful initiatives.

Overwhelming Support from the Community

The outpouring of support from the community has been deeply felt by Hilary Malone, the widow of Deputy Jeremy Malone. "Overwhelming, honestly. Very emotional," she shared with WLOX News, reflecting on the impact of the community's efforts. George County Sheriff Mitchell Mixon echoed these sentiments, stating that he is proud to see the continued support for Malone's family. "I have to call Hilary quite often and say, hey, come down, I have some stuff for you down here at the office," he explained, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure the family's well-being.

Interagency Collaboration and Camaraderie

The support for the Malone family has extended beyond the local community, with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office playing a crucial role in assisting the George County Sheriff's Office during this difficult time. "That's what we're there to do — to support our brotherhood and other agencies when they need help," said Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter. "We were honored to step in and help. Plus, Jeremy is a good friend of mine, and we definitely do it — not just for George County sheriff's office, but also for Jeremy. It's the least we could do." This display of interagency camaraderie and the willingness to support one another in times of need is a testament to the strong bonds within the law enforcement community.

Preserving the Legacy of Deputy Malone

The community's efforts to support the Malone family have not only provided financial assistance but also served to keep Deputy Malone's memory alive. Sheriff Ledbetter expressed his pride in seeing organizations like First Federal continue to honor Malone's legacy and raise funds to support his family. "It speaks volumes for our community and how they cherish law enforcement," he said, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in fostering a strong and supportive relationship between the community and its law enforcement officers.