From left: Andrew McMillin, Comm. Mike Chaney, Mrs. Mary Chaney, Chris McMillin.
Mississippi Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney received the 2026 Malcolm McMillin Public Service Award during the Police Memorial and Top Cop Appreciation Day held at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson, Miss. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Malcolm McMillin served as Hinds County Sheriff for more than two decades. He was a Military Policeman in the U.S. Air Force, served three tours of duty in Vietnam, and was Chairman of the State Parole Board in 2012-2013. His sons, Chris and Andrew McMillin, presented the award to Comm. Chaney.
“Long before he ever held public office, Comm. Chaney answered a call to serve his country in Vietnam. His commitment to service continued through his faith. In addition to being a servant, he took steps to be a leader and holds a Theology Certificate from the University of the South,” said Andrew McMillin.
Over the course of his 16-year career in the Mississippi House and the Mississippi Senate, Comm. Chaney worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Mississippians.
“During the 12 years that I chaired the Senate Insurance Committee, Mike was a valuable member of that committee, and what I remember most is even though we met at 8:00 a.m., he was always the first committee member in attendance,” said long-time Legislator and friend, Senator Dean Kirby. “After Mike announced his retirement from the State Senate in 2006, he was called upon by then-Governor Haley Barbour. This was following Hurricane Katrina. At a moment when Mississippi needed experienced, steady leadership, Mike once again chose to serve. He stepped into one of the most demanding roles in state government as Insurance Commissioner, at one of the most critical times in our state’s history.”
In addition to serving as Insurance Commissioner, the post oversees the State Fire Marshal Office and State Fire Academy.
“For years, Mike has advocated for fire education in our communities. He has pushed for funding so fire departments could buy new trucks, modernize equipment, and strengthen their ability to respond when it matters most. I’m grateful for the working relationship we had while I served at the State Fire Academy. Mississippi is stronger and safer because of Mike,” said Retired State Fire Academy Executive Director Reggie Bell.
Comm. Chaney is honored and grateful for the award.
“I think that this award reflects not just what I’ve done, but the work put in by so many others to make our state and communities stronger. Serving is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I accept this honor with humility and renewed dedication,” Chaney said.