Oxford Police Captain Donovan Lyons Retires After Years of Dedicated Service

Captain Donovan Lyons's retirement from the Oxford Police Department drew both a city proclamation and a community crowd, closing out a career that stretched from Los Angeles to the schools and streets of Oxford.

The department hosted a Celebration of Service on Friday, March 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at OPD headquarters at 9 Industrial Park Drive. Just days before, a special proclamation was formally read before the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday night, acknowledging Lyons's dedicated years of service and commitment to the community.

Oxford PD said it was "honored to celebrate Captain Donovan Lyons and his incredible career" and thanked the community members and colleagues who came out to show support.

Lyons's path to captain ran through multiple roles across more than three decades in law enforcement. He came to Oxford from Los Angeles and served in several capacities at OPD, including as training director and as a school resource officer in Oxford's schools, where he worked to protect students and strengthen the relationship between the department and the community it serves. He is also a parent to three children in the Oxford school system.

The department's March 18 Facebook announcement of the celebration drew 98 reactions, 30 comments, and 4 shares in the days leading up to the event. Residents voiced their appreciation publicly. Norma Collins Prewitt wrote: "Congratulations Capt Donovan. Best Wishes on your next adventure." Steve Johnson added: "Congratulations! Thank you for your service!!"

The proclamation before the Board of Aldermen gave the city's formal stamp to what Oxford residents were already expressing: that Lyons's departure marks the end of a long chapter in the department's history.