Two South MS firefighters arrested, charged with disrupting air ambulance
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- Two volunteer firefighters arrested for obstructing an AmeriPro air ambulance.
- Deputies charged both with obstruction; Mark Wilson also faces DUI, public drunkenness.
- County officials cite zero-tolerance policy, fire volunteers endangering operations.
Two volunteer firefighters in George County were arrested after they allegedly interfered with a life-flight medical operation, according to George County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Dominique Tanner.
Mark Wilson and Kathleen Wilson, both volunteers with the Bexley Volunteer Fire Department, were taken into custody after deputies responded to reports that the pair were disrupting an AmeriPro Health Ambulance Service air-ambulance operation. Each was charged with obstruction of emergency assistance.
Deputies also charged Mark Wilson with misdemeanor DUI and public drunkenness.
An air-ambulance, often called a life flight, is used to transport critically injured or ill patients who need faster care than ground transport can provide.
After their arrests, deputies transported the pair to the George County jail for booking.
“Our responsibility is to uphold the law fairly and consistently,” Sheriff Mitchell Mixon said. “Whether you are a firefighter, deputy, or any other citizen, the same standards apply. No one is exempt from accountability when actions endanger the public or interfere with emergency operations.”
EMA Director Eric Howard, who oversees county fire departments, said the county’s volunteer agencies have a zero-tolerance policy for responding to emergencies under the influence of alcohol or any substance.
“We do not condone this type of behavior from our volunteers,” Howard said. As a result of the pair’s actions, he said, “the proper disciplinary action will take place to terminate these firefighters from the fire service. I personally want to thank the volunteers who stood up for what was right and made the sheriff’s deputies aware of what was taking place.”
