BYRAM — The City of Byram and Byram Police Department recognized the volunteers, sponsors and community partners Thursday night who helped make the Blue Dawgs Youth Camp possible, celebrating the people behind a program credited with helping reduce youth-related crime.
The free summer program, which brings together Byram-area youth for games, activities, mentoring and lessons from law enforcement and community leaders, returned in 2026 after a two-year hiatus.
Det. Judson MagloireDetective Judson Magloire first proposed the structured youth program to Byram Police Department command staff several years ago. The Blue Dawgs camp began in 2022 and continued in 2023 before Magloire left the department.
Now back with Byram police, Magloire helped bring the program back for its third year.
The camp was held Thursday and Friday evenings from 6 to about 9 p.m. at Byram Middle School from June 4 through July 10. The hours were selected deliberately to provide young people with a positive alternative during times when juvenile crime tends to increase.
During the summers the program has operated, youth-related crime in Byram has dropped by about 50%, according to information previously shared by the department. During the 2023 session, no Byram resident youth was arrested on a misdemeanor or violent charge while the camp was underway.
Byram Chief Kevin Turner has said the program represents an effort to prevent crime rather than simply respond to it after it occurs.
“Instead of us being police officers and waiting on them to mess up so we can punish, we talk more about punish the behavior and not enough about how to deter it,” Turner said. “We’re coming out of our comfort zone, meeting them where they are to keep them from taking that road.”
The program has included presentations and activities involving law enforcement officers, judges and other public safety professionals. Previous camps have featured SWAT teams and even a Mississippi Highway Patrol helicopter landing at the site.
Thursday night’s recognition honored dozens of people who volunteered their time, supported the camp financially or helped provide meals and other resources.
Adult volunteers
The adult volunteers recognized included:
- Robert Barnes
- Margarett Barnes
- Lucas Barrett
- Maddison Barrett
- Martina Brown
- Imani Elliott
- McKimley Hudson
- Evelyn Jackson
- Arlean Lloyd
- Carlton Lloyd
- Cardarius Lloyd
- Demetrice Quinn
- Pamela Shields
- Metric Thomas
Byram Police Department volunteers
Byram Police Department personnel recognized for their involvement included:
- Chief Kevin Turner
- Assistant Chief Derrick Jordan
- Lt. Maurice Kendrick
- Lt. Ricardo Kincaid
- Sgt. Detra Ward
- Sgt. Terris Thomas
- Sgt. Mike Aycox
- Detective Mashanna Gibbs
- Detective Jamon Jackson
- Ushekie Tillman
Mayor Richard White, Alderwoman Erma Johnson, Alderwoman Teresa Mack and Alderwoman Roshelle Gibson were also recognized as adult officials, along with the Byram Board of Aldermen.
Other community leaders and supporters recognized included Judge Carlyn Hicks, John Knight, Dr. Mitchell Shears and Elroy Winding.
Donors and sponsors
The program also recognized local restaurants and supporters who helped provide for campers and volunteers, including:
- Marcus Green of Good Eatin
- Justin Powell of Chick-fil-A
- Thomas Griffin of Rally’s
Youth volunteers
Several young people also gave their time to help make the camp successful. They included:
- Jaylan Williams
- Owen Hudson
- Blayden VanNoy
- Tyler McGruder
- Tabias Brown
- Jayden Brown
- Jayquih Magloire
The recognition highlighted what Byram police officials say is one of the program’s greatest strengths: The camp is not operated by the police department alone.
Officers, families, elected officials, volunteers, businesses and young people themselves have all contributed to the effort.
The Blue Dawgs program is free and open to youth in the Byram-Hinds County area. The department also welcomes volunteers who are able to pass a background check.
For more information about future Blue Dawgs programs or opportunities to volunteer, contact the Byram Police Department.
