Jackson Police Department Captain William Kendrick was honored for saving the life of a young man shot during a Jackson State homecoming football game last fall.
Kendrick gave first aid and quickly transported the victim to UMMC, where emergency room doctors saved his life. Without Kendrick's prompt action, the young man would have died
JPD issued this statement:
On October 10, 2025, during the Jackson State University Homecoming football game, chaos erupted when gunfire broke out near the stadium grounds. An 11-year-old child was found suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.
Captain William Kendrick, who was on duty and arrived first on scene, immediately assessed the severity of the child’s injuries. Realizing the child was rapidly losing blood and that emergency medical personnel were unable to reach the location due to the intense packed crowd and gridlocked traffic, Captain Kendrick acted without hesitation.
Demonstrating extraordinary courage and decisive leadership, Captain Kendrick scooped the child into his arms and carried him through the crowded stadium to his patrol vehicle. With assistance from Captain Hull, they navigated through heavily congested traffic and transported the child directly to Blair E. Batson Children’s Emergency Hospital.
Upon arrival, medical staff rushed the child into emergency surgery, performing multiple procedures and transfusing significant amounts of blood to stabilize him. According to ER physicians, the child’s survival was directly attributed to Captain Kendrick’s rapid and heroic decision to bypass waiting for EMS and personally transport the victim. Medical personnel stated unequivocally that had Captain Kendrick not acted when he did, the child likely would not have survived.
Captain Kendrick’s actions embody the highest traditions of law enforcement service, courage under pressure, selfless dedication to human life, and swift, decisive action in the face of crisis. His composure and compassion on that day turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of survival.
Because of his quick thinking, bravery, and unwavering commitment to saving a life, it is with the utmost respect and admiration that Captain William Kendrick is recommended for the Jackson Police Department Life-Saving Award.
