John Martin Harris, a native of Clarksdale, had lived in Madison since 2004.
Since childhood, all John ever wanted was to be a policeman. He began his law enforcement career in 1997 in Webb, MS, he then served in Friars Point where he earned his first Purple Heart. Next, he served with Madison County Sherriff's Office where he earned another Purple Heart and then he served in Richland Police Department.
In 2018 he achieved the dream of his life when he graduated Cadet Class #62 and became a Mississippi Highway Patrolman.
John received many awards and commendations during his career, they include:
•USPCA Regional K9 Patrol and Narcotics Trials (2016)
•2nd Place Overall Commendation
•1st Place Narcotic Teams Commendation
•2nd Place Outdoor Narcotic Search Commendation
•USPCA National Narcotic Detector K9 Trials (2015)
•4th Place Overall Commendation
•5th Place Outdoor Search
•USPCA Regional K9 Patrol and Narcotic Trials (2015)
•1st Place Patrol Teams Commendation
•1st Place Criminal Apprehension Commendation
•K-9 Nero Award
•USPCA Regional K9 Patrol and Narcotic Trials (2013)
•3rd Place Overall Commendation
•1st Place Patrol Teams Commendation
•3rd Place Evidence Search Commendation
•3rd Place Criminal Apprehension Commendation
•5th Place Overall Narcotics Commendation
•Letter of Appreciation, Mississippi Commissioner of Public Safety (2010)
•State of Mississippi Buckle for Life Commendation (2010)
•Top Cop, State of Mississippi Commendation (2009)
•Letter of Appreciation, Mississippi Department of Public Safety (2009)
•State of Mississippi Buckle for Life Commendation (2008)
•Employee of the Quarter Commendation (2007)
•State of Mississippi Buckle for Life Commendation (2007)
•State of Mississippi Buckle for Life Commendation (2006)
•Ted Hirsch Memorial Award (2006)
•USPCA K9 Patrol and Narcotic Trials (2006)
•3rd Place Overall Commendation
•1st Place Patrol Teams Commendation
•2nd Place Criminal Apprehension Commendation
•3rd Place Article Search Commendation
•3rd Place Agility Commendation
•State of Mississippi 100 Club DUI Commendation (2005)
•Mississippi's Child Passenger Safety Program Commendation (2005)
•Purple Heart Commendation (2004)
•Employee of the Quarter Commendation (2004)
•Certificate of Commendation for Meritorious Service (2003)
•Certificate of Appreciation for Meritorious Service (2003)
•Purple Heart Commendation (2002)
•Silver Star for Bravery Commendation, the highest award a law enforcement officer and achieve (2002)
•The Chain of Life Certificate of Appreciation (2002)
•Letter of Appreciation, Mississippi Public Service Commission (2002)
•Letter of Appreciation, Mississippi Department of Corrections (2000)
•Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Commendation (1998)
•Pistol Expert Commendation (1996 - 2017)