Reception honors chief deputy Johnny Bell

 County employees held a reception Friday to honor Johnny Bell, who is retiring after 35 years in law enforcement.

Bell has served as chief deputy and jail administrator under Sheriff Jimmy Edwards the past eight years. Before that, he was an auxiliary deputy for sheriff Joe Bryant, and investigator, worked for the Mississippi Department of Corrections and district attorney’s office.

Bell was presented with several gifts and some of his awards and photos were on display in the packed justice courtroom.

Bell’s wife, Nancy, works as dietitian at the jail.

Sheriff Edwards presents gift to Bell.

Bell chats with well-wishers at the reception

Bell with the first and last sheriff he worked for, Joe Bryant, left, and Jimmy Edwards, right