‘My heart is heavy.’ Jackson police chief shares how Cpl. Christopher Gallion, Sr. died

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade told reporters at a Friday press conference that the department is mourning the loss of 39-year-old Cpl. Christopher Gallion, Sr., who died after experiencing a medical crisis while on duty Thursday night.

According to Wade, Gallion concluded a call for service Thursday night when he experienced a “medical crisis” toward the end of his shift. Wade said medical attention was provided before Gallion was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Wade did not share more details to respect the privacy of the family. Wade told reporters, “My heart is heavy.”

Gallion, a 17-year veteran of the Jackson Police Department, served in Precinct 1 in South Jackson. He was a graduate of Jim Hill High School and the “Mighty 43rd” Jackson Police Department Recruit Class. Wade praised Gallion as a remarkable officer, colleague and friend.

Wade remembered Gallion as an officer of many talents, such as being a church drummer and a barber.

“I was there at the hospital last night to about 2 o’clock in the morning or so. I had a chance and opportunity to speak with his wife, who was absolutely distraught about the passing of her husband. They recently had a child, a baby, a 3-month-old — a junior to him. We are so hurt about this tragedy to that family. We’re hurt about this tragedy to the JPD family. … His family is hurting,” Wade said.

Hotel crimes in Jackson: How many hotel murders so far in 2025? Jackson sees over a dozen homicides by February

Wade mentioned that many JPD officers gathered at the hospital to support Gallion’s family, including his mother, brother, wife, and children, among them Gallion’s 11-year-old son. Wade said Gallion and his wife were approaching their anniversary, having been married for nearly three years.

“He was committed to the citizens of Jackson. He loved the citizens of Jackson, but he also loved his family even more,” Wade said.

Wade stated the department is contacting organizations to provide grief counseling for JPD officers to help them cope with Gallion’s death. He noted that while there was a lot of pain at the hospital on Thursday night, there was also a great deal of love.

“He’s someone that everybody knew,” Wade said. “If you were a Jackson police officer, you knew Christopher Gallion. You knew how he acted (and) how he conducted himself. He was a consummate professional. He always treated me with dignity and respect, and I treated him with dignity and respect,” Wade said.

Gallion’s death comes over a week after a Hinds County deputy died after being shot while was responding to a domestic disturbance call at a home in Terry. Wade said following the Hinds County deputy’s death, Gallion’s passing “hit really hard.”

“It’s never easy,” Wade said. “And that’s why… we must commend, honor, celebrate and salute our police officers for the work they do every single day, while holding them accountable for the work that they do every single day. Because the loss of a person like Christopher Gallion impacts this whole entire city and this state.”

Wade asked for the community to keep Gallion’s family and the police department uplifted in prayer.

‘Shields will never be forgotten’: Who was Hinds County Deputy Martin Shields Jr. of Mississippi?

JPD issued the following statement Friday morning via social media:

“Throughout his career, he served with honor, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving his community. His leadership, mentorship, and kindness touched the lives of so many, both in and out of uniform.

“We love him dearly, and his presence will be deeply missed. Though his watch has ended, his legacy of service and sacrifice will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.”

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS JPD Corporal Christopher Gallion Sr dies