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Officer Michael Byrum began his career with the Jackson Police Department on September 26, 1994 after serving 14 years with the Bolivar Police Department.  During his law enforcement career, he gained certifications in Special Fire Services Training from the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office, Severe Storm Spotters Training from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Sniper Rifle Training, and Police Motorcycle Training.

Officer Byrum worked the majority of his tenure in the Patrol Division until he was transferred to the Traffic Division in 2010.  There he was able to do one of his favorite things, ride motorcycles.  In the Traffic Division, he had the option of riding a patrol car or a motorcycle, which he chose to do on most beautiful, sunny days.

On March 29, 1995 at about 18:00 hrs., Officer Byrum responded to assist in a vehicular pursuit that was traveling north on S. Highland in the City of Jackson.  The pursuit involved units of the Tennessee Highway Patrola nd the Chester county Sheriff's Office.  They were in pursuit of a vehicle occupied by Raymond W. H endrix and Wilmor R. Hendrix, who wwere wanted for aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.  These officers had reported that the suspects had fired on them during the pursuit.  The suspects' car was involved in a traffic accident at S. Highland and Bemis Lane which resulted in the termination of the pursuit.  Both suspects fled on foot fromt he scene.  Wilmor Hendrix as arrested near the scene of the accident by other officers while Raymond Hendrix, who was armed with a TEC 9 semi-automatic 9mm weapon, ran north from the accident scene in front of the Goodyear Tire Store.  Off. Byrum pursued Hendrix on foot, ordering him to halt.  Hendrix turned toward Off. Byrum and other officers at least twice, threatening them with his weapon.  Disregarding his own safety, Off. Byrum fired his weapon at Hendrix after he refused to stop or surrender.  Hendrix was hit once in the head which immediately stopped his threat to the officers and the general public.

Because of his display of bravery during the course of this event, Officer Michael Byrum was awarded the Police Medal of Valor on May 15, 1996.