Ellington

When Jackson Police Department Officer Roderick Holmes responded to an alarm call at Calvary Baptist Church in January, his training and skills came into play in apprehending a man who had broken into the church. As the intruder tried to flee the property, Holmes called for backup and with the help of other officers, he apprehended the suspect in a wooded area behind the church.

Holmes, 33, is the Jackson Police Department's Officer of the Month for February due to his fast response and dedication to his job. He has since been promoted to detective and is responsible for conducting investigations and preparing cases for a grand jury.

The Jackson native has been with the police department since 2004. He graduated from Lanier High School and received a bachelor's degree in biology from Jackson State University in 1999.

Holmes says he always felt called to become a police officer.

"I've always had an interest in (working) for the public and helping out the greater good," Holmes says.

He says his training and background came into play during the arrest in January.

"In all instances we resort back to our training, technique and investigative tools," he says. "In a situation like that, you don't know what you're getting into. I've worked with a lot of men and women in the department, and without their help a lot of what we do is not possible."

Holmes currently lives with his wife Lakeisha Odie-Holmes in northwest Jackson.