The residents of Panola County should be very proud of the men and women that we have serving our county. I got to see their work first hand and was truly amazed at what wonderful caring people work for Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Department,  Sardis Volunteer Fire Department, Longtown Fire Department, Pleasant Grove Fire Department and other rescue operations.

On December 18 my dad, Irby Loftis, went hunting early and never returned home. The sheriff’s department was called and within minutes the search began. The rescue team called for a helicopter that was loaned by Desoto County. Search and rescue dogs and all personnel arrived. There were many people from the community that were on hand to help as well.

Daniel Cole, Emergency Management Director, was on hand to give directions for the search and Deputy Jarrell Mills, Lieutenant Earl Burdette, Lieutenant Billy Lambert, Deputy Steve Webb, and Deputy Faye Pettis and many others were there to explain everything that was happening with the search.

These people were not just doing their job, but were very compassionate. I appreciate all that they did for my family.

After my dad was located, it was determined that he had a heart attack while hunting. Chief Deputy Andy Estridge and Investigator Bill McGee were there to explain to me what they felt had happened and to comfort me.

Sheriff Otis Griffin was also on hand to answer any questions and offer his condolences to our family.

When the search was concluded and we went home, Coroner Gracie Grant Gulledge and investigator McGee came to the house and explained everything that would happen from that point on. Gracie even gave my mom and I information that we could need in coming weeks, she spoke to the funeral home for us and answered all questions that we had. Gracie is a very special lady. Investigator McGee made sure that everything was documented properly and was a very big help to us as well.

I feel very sad that I have lost my dad. He will be missed more than you can imagine, but I felt that I needed to take time to thank all the people that were there that day helping me look for my dad and when he was found, helped console me and my mom. These are very special individuals and often their work goes unnoticed. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and thank you for serving our county.

/s/Leigh Ann Hall

Daughter of Irby Loftis