Hattiesburg is honoring two officers killed in the line of duty nine years ago

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – It has been nine years since the tragic deaths of Hattiesburg Police Officers Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate.

On Thursday, May 9, Hattiesburg officials gathered with the officers’ families to remember Deen and Tate.

“We stand here and speak the names of Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate so that they and the lives they were unable to fully live will not be forgotten,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker.

Deen and Tate were killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop near 4th and Ryan streets on May 9, 2015.

During the ceremony, Tate’s mother sang a hymn honoring her son’s memory. A wreath was also laid in their honor.

“Both were great officers, very good officers, very proactive officers. They loved their community. They loved their jobs,” said Hattiesburg Deputy Police Chief Tony Fontaine.