The Yazoo community mourns the passing of veteran law enforcement officer and former county tax collector Tommy Irvine, who passed away last Saturday.
The beloved community figure was very active with local volunteering efforts, successful mentoring programs and faith-based contributions within Yazoo City and Yazoo County. From the Yazoo City Police Department to the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department to the Yazoo County Tax Collector’s office, he will be remembered as “a man with a big heart,” a compassionate friend, a faithful servant and a loyal supporter.
“Today we lost a great man,” the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department shared via a social media post. “A true mentor to the law enforcement community, Tommy Irvine will truly be missed. Take your rest my brother, we got it from here.”
Many within the Yazoo community will remember Irvine for his commitment to public safety. Serving in various roles within the local law enforcement and court systems, he was eager to give back to his community through public service.
Irvine previously served as chief investigator with the sheriff's office. He was also among the teams of the Yazoo City Police Department and the Yazoo County Youth Court.
Moments after his passing last weekend, expressions of support from fellow law enforcement officers began to circulate through social media.
“Tommy wasn’t just a friend to me; he was a mentor, a brother, and a teacher,” posted Dustin Wadford. “During his time as Chief Investigator with the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department, he poured his heart into his work and into everyone around him. I’m beyond grateful for the lessons he taught me; not just about the job, but about doing it the right way, with compassion, love, and respect.”
Irvine has been called “a local legend” and a “beloved soul.” Wadford also added that Irvine always had the local youth on his mind while both working and volunteering within the community.
“He believed in the youth of our community, and he reminded us every day that they were worth fighting for,” Wadford added. “He was the kind of officer that all of us in local law enforcement should strive to be like; selfless, brave, and full of grace.”
Outside of law enforcement, Irvine was elected as the county tax collector in 2018. He was eager to accept that role the following January during the swearing-in ceremony with his wife Nekather Irvine and sister Mae Gower.
Irvine’s professional, and transparency, was felt during his first Yazoo County Board of Supervisors meeting after he assumed his new political role.
“We won’t always agree on everything, but I will still have the utmost respect for everybody,” Irvine said, during the 2019 meeting. “This is business. That is all it will ever be, business. There will be nothing I take or take out on personally.”
Irvine was a loving family-man, a dedicated servant to his community and a faithful volunteer. Through his career, he helped pave the path for others while standing as a testament of just that: a good and faithful servant.
