06/23/2026
Lifelong Poplarville Resident Rossie Creel Named Chief of Police of Poplarville Police Department.
Mayor Louise Smith and the Board of Aldermen are pleased to announce the appointment of Rossie Creel, a lifelong Poplarville resident and veteran law enforcement officer, as the new Chief of Police for the City of Poplarville.
Chief Creel brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience, public service, and community leadership to the position. A graduate of Poplarville High School, Creel served as a law enforcement officer from 1993 until his retirement in 2021 and has continued serving the community through education, mentoring, and volunteer leadership.
Most recently, Creel served as a High School Career Coach for the Poplarville School District from 2023 to 2026. He previously served as Mayor of Poplarville from 2017 to 2021 and as Director of Transportation for the Poplarville School District from 2018 to 2021.
Throughout his distinguished career, Creel has earned numerous professional and community recognitions. He was named Poplarville Police Officer of the Year in 2003 and again in 2005 and received the Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce Policeman of the Year Award in 2013. In recognition of his commitment to youth and community service, he was presented the Dr. Raymond Rocker Memorial Volunteer Award by the Poplarville Soccer Club for 15 years of volunteer service. He was also named Poplarville School District Director of the Year in 2020.
Chief Creel studied Criminal Justice at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and attended the FBI Mississippi Law Enforcement Command College at the University of Mississippi. He is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Training Academy, a Certified Municipal Official, and a Mississippi Enhanced Concealed Carry Instructor.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Creel has dedicated more than 20 years to serving local youth as a coach, board member, board president, and game official for the Poplarville Athletic Association and the Poplarville Soccer Club. He currently serves as President of the Poplarville Hornets Alumni Foundation.
“Chief Creel’s experience, leadership, integrity, and lifelong commitment to Poplarville make him exceptionally qualified to lead our department, “said Mayor Louise Smith. “His dedication to public service and his deep roots in our community will serve our citizens well as we continue working together to maintain a safe and welcoming city.”
Chief Creel expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve his new role.
“Poplarville is more than just a city to me, it is my community, “said Chief Creel. “I grew up here and raised my family here. The opportunity to lead the Police Department and serve the citizens of Poplarville is both an honor and a responsibility that I fully embrace. I believe strong leadership begins with visibility, consistency, and building relationships within our community. Together, we will continue working to ensure Poplarville remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Chief Creel is married to Brittney Moore Creel. Together they have three children, Zac, Raeana, and Alex as well as one granddaughter, Aubrey.
The City of Poplarville welcomes Chief Creel into this important leadership role and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the Poplarville Police Department under his direction.
