Grits & Government

Join us on Thursday, April 23rd for our Grits & Government and hear from Director of DeSoto County Search & Rescue Operations, Jonathan Bigham.
 

He leads a volunteer-based Search and Rescue unit that supports DeSoto County and provides mutual aid across Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas, responding to missing person’s cases, disaster response, swift water rescue, dive recovery, and public safety operations.

Prior to his work in Search and Rescue, Captain Bigham spent 12 years assigned to an impaired driving enforcement grant, working under a DUI grant focused on roadway safety, enforcement, and community impact. That experience continues to shape his approach to leadership, prevention, and public safety.
 

Captain Bigham also provides local training for FAA Part 107 certification, helping agencies and community partners safely and legally operate unmanned aircraft systems for free. He currently serves as President of the Mississippi Chapter of the Law Enforcement Drone Association (MS LEDA), where he works to advance responsible drone use, training standards, and interagency collaboration statewide.

He is deeply committed to community partnerships, volunteer development, and strengthening public safety through training, preparedness, and education.