WVPD Names New Sergeant
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Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch (left) pins the sergeant’s badge on his son, Water Valley Police Sgt. Jaryn Gooch.
WATER VALLEY — Officer Jaryn Gooch has been promoted to the rank of sergeant with the Water Valley Police Department Chief Jason Mangrum reports the promotion was made Feb. 3 and recognizes Gooch’s consistent leadership, initiative and commitment to professional development within the department.
As part of the promotion ceremony, Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch, Jaryn Gooch’s father, pinned the sergeant’s badge on his son.
“Even with everything going on related to storm recovery, we thought it was very fitting to allow the sheriff to pin his new sergeant badge on him,” Mangrum said. “It was a moment to pause and recognize something positive.”
Gooch has been employed with the Water Valley Police Department since Sept. 23, 2022. Mangrum said Gooch has consistently gone beyond routine patrol duties, frequently seeking additional training and taking on leadership roles.
In October 2025, Gooch completed the Certified Investigator Program, a milestone Mangrum said played a significant role in the promotion decision.
“He has consistently stepped up, taken initiative and accepted extra responsibility,” Mangrum said. “This promotion is a direct result of that effort.”
Gooch currently serves as a school resource officer and will remain in that role through the end of the school year while continuing to assist with patrol and investigations as needed.
Mangrum said officers with strong community ties are also important to the department.
“They know the people, the people know them, and the people trust them,” Mangrum said. “That matters in a community like Water Valley.”
The Water Valley Police Department employs approximately 15 full- and part-time officers.
