TUPELO, MS: On December 4, 2015, United States Attorney Robert Mims from Oxford, MS and National Park Service Supervisory Park Ranger John Hearne from the Natchez Trace Parkway each received a national level award from the National Park Service Traffic Safety Coalition.
U.S. Attorney Mims received the Prosecutor of the Year Award for his continued support and efforts to prosecute those who drive under the influence on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Mims successfully prosecuted a number of significant cases including a recent prosecution of an impaired driver who crossed the center line on a curve, struck a motorcycle, and killed both riders.
Ranger Hearne received a Special Recognition Award for his commitment to traffic safety and his efforts to reduce impaired driving on the Natchez Trace Parkway. As the Central District Supervisory Ranger, Hearne scheduled numerous traffic safety checkpoints and served as the investigating ranger for several motor vehicle accidents that resulted in death or injury due to an impaired driver.
The Natchez Trace Parkway reminds drivers to be extra careful during the holiday season. If anyone sees a suspected impaired driver, please call 911 or 1-800-600-PARK (7275).
