Police Compete In Blue Steel Challenge

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Tupelo, Miss. (WCBI) — The Tupelo Police Department and Crime Stoppers of North Mississippi gave officers from all over the chance to shoot their way to the top in the 12th annual Blue Steel Challenge.

Law enforcers had to test their skills with handguns, shotguns, and patrol rifles and the most accurate went home with some cool prizes.

Tupelo Police Department Deputy Chief Allan Gilbert said the event, which started 12 years ago to give back to police officers, gives law enforcers the chance to meet up with old friends and get families together.

“It’s a time that we all get together just to hang out. The fellowship, of course the competition. You knoq once the first bullet flies, everybody’s competitve”, said Gilbert.

To show support for the troubling times for law enforcement, the theme for this year’s event was to “Stand strong with the thin blue line”.

The event helps raise money for Crime stoppers to pay the anonymous tippers that help law enforcement day in and day out.

“You got law enforcement, you got the community who gives the tips, and you’ve got the media such as yourself and the newspapers and other folks…”, explained Crime Stoppers’ treasurer Bill Allen, “…without the three of those together, working together, then we would not be able to function.”

And while the money raised is important, the meaning behind the event is what brings this family together every year.

“It’s not about making money, its about giving back to the police officers this time of year, and if we make money, it’s a bonus”, said Gilbert.

Crime Stoppers of North Mississippi donated $5,000 dollars to the challenge in support of local law enforcement.