First Responder
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Joseph L. Rigby, LTC, Retired

Jody

President

email

joseph@firstrespondersofms.com

Joseph Rigby is a career veteran with 34 years of service as a First Responder. For 29 of these years, LTC Rigby provided loyal and dedicated service to the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, where he held many leadership positions including Director of Protective Services and Director of Driver Services. Some of his fondest memories come from the 12 years he worked the road in District 7 as a Trooper First Class. When duty called him to work 18 months on the security detail for former Governor Ray Mabus, he was honored to accept this esteemed position. He served another eight years under Governor Governor Kirk Fordice’s administration, where he rose up through the ranks to become the Director of Governor Fordice’s Security Detail. Following his service to the highest level of government in MS, LTC Rigby continued his career at the Mississippi Highway Patrol Headquarters, retiring in 2009 as a Lt. Colonel.

During Hurricane Katrina, MS’s most devastating natural disaster, LTC Rigby responded. He was instrumental in development of the Mobile Cooking and Base Camp Team. He was honored to help prepare meals and provide base camp support for Troopers and First Responders. The Mobile Cooking and Base Camp Team remains in service to this day, providing services during other disasters and community events. Some of these include Hurricane Gustav, the 20 presidential debate in Oxford.

In 1992, while relocating to Jackson, LTC Rigby met Ruth Ann on her family’s farm. She became his bride four years later and they have been married for 21 years. They reside in Jackson and are active members of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison. The Rigbys spend countless volunteer hours in service to their community in pursuit of their passion of giving back. The Rigbys have three Cocker Spaniels: Graciee, Cailee, & Darbee.

“As a First Responder myself with over 34 years of service, I have seen first-hand the needs that exist for first responder organizations, members, and their families. I am confident FROM can provide necessary resources to meet these needs.”