The Jackson Police Department is investigating an incident in which a firefighter was assaulted early Sunday morning and city vehicles were damaged.
According to a news release from the Jackson Fire Department, at 1:13 a.m. Sunday, July 5, the JFD responded to a dumpster fire at 33 Carver Avenue in the area of Lincoln Courts Apartments.
The release said while responding, several fireworks were directed toward Engine 32 which was traveling west on Roosevelt Parkway. Once they arrived at the scene; Engine 32, Battalion Chief #1 and several Jackson Police units observed a crowd of upwards of 40 people gathering in the vicinity. The crowd began directing a significant amount of small and large mortar fireworks at the emergency personnel from both departments.
The result of the unprovoked attack left one firefighter with minor injuries and several city vehicles with minor dents and a damaged windshield. The Jackson Fire Department is working with the Jackson Police Department to identify the person(s) responsible for injuring the firefighter and damaging city property.
An Incident such as this is very unique to JFD, its personnel are respectful, helpful and always willing to give their all for the community the release said.
“Therefore, we cannot comprehend what prompted the violence against our firefighters”, stated Jackson Fire Department’s Operations Chief Don Friddle.”We will not and cannot tolerate this type of behavior toward those that give so much to protect our community.”
JPD is investigating the incident as an assault on a public service official and is looking for the public’s help in identifying any individuals that witnessed, participated in or have knowledge of the unwarranted attack on the firefighters.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call the Jackson Police Department at 731-425-8400.