Typically a 10-24 police code is the first signal a dispatcher learns and it is also the last one they ever want to use.
It means an officer is down or an officer needs assistance.
And even though that was not the distress call that went out in the early morning hours on Tuesday, the Indianola Police Department family is feeling the loss of a comrade.
Veteran law enforcement officer Johnnie Bland passed away at his home and left a definitive void in the unit. Lieutenant Bland provided more than 20 years of service to his community.
A social media posting on the department’s Facebook page read in part, “It is with a heavy heart that we report the untimely passing of Lieutenant Johnnie Bland. Throughout his many years of service he has served in many roles to include but not limited as Shift Commander, Chief Investigator, Evidence and Property Technician, and Director of Training. We ask that you keep his wife, kids, and all his family in your prayers.”
It further stated that Bland’s IPD unit, 4, would never be replaced.
Chief Edrick Hall shared this, “Lt. Bland was a person of many talents and one of his greatest was his loyalty. In law enforcement today, officers often move to what they think is a better department or to receive higher pay. Lt. Bland started his career here in July of 1998 and never went to another department...110 percent loyal to the city.”
Hall said the certification that Bland earned in 1998 would've allowed him to work for any agency in the State of Mississippi and countless agencies in other states. “But he stayed true to this city that he called his own.”
Hall extolled on Bland’s knowledge of the job and the level of trust he had earned from the citizens. “That will never be replaced and the information he was able to provide to all officers came from trusting citizens who only trusted him with information. His loss to our department will he felt years to come,” Hall said.
Bland’s other colleagues held a similar degree of respect for him. Assistant Chief Earnest Gilson said, “My experience working with Bland was a great one. He was a hard worker and was always willing to come in to work to fill in the gaps.”
Gilson also reflected on Bland’s dedication and love for the city. “As an Investigator, Bland would come in and select reports that no one else wanted to work. He would always come up with a suspect. He loved this city so much that he would call to check in on his off time to see if he was needed. Bland will be greatly missed by the members of the Indianola Police Department.”
His subordinates also admired Bland. Sgt. Frank Brockman said, “Lt. Bland was a mentor for me (ever) since I’ve been working at Indianola Police Department. No matter what problems I have faced, good or bad he has been that big brother to give me the facts straightforward and not sugar coat anything.”
Brockman added, “Lt. Bland is one of (those) coworkers who knows his job well and don’t mind lending a helping hand. Lt. Bland was one of (those) brothers who could make you laugh even if your day is going bad. He is truly a person I am going to miss.”
Funeral services are set for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Gentry High School gymnasium and the Reverend Terry Cobbs will officiate. Visitation is set for Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Byas Funeral Home.
Hall said, “In the midst of this tragedy we have learned that so many others loved Lt. Bland just like we do, with the kind words, actions, calls, and visits. We ask that you continue to keep his family in your prayers not just for right now, but for years to come.”
Hall has issued the following parking information regarding Bland’s funeral services. The south parking lot, which is directly in front of the gym is for family only and you must have a parking permit. Public parking is only permissible in the north parking lot, behind the gym on the east or at the Modern Line parking lot at Second Street and U.S. 49.
All law enforcement and first responder vehicles equipped with emergency lights will need to park on the east and west side of B.B. King Road. The processional to Gentry will begin at 10 a.m.
