Скачать или смотреть Firefighter Facing Two First-Degree Arson Charges

INDIANOLA, Miss. — Damion Martin, a career firefighter in Indianola and Belzoni, was arrested Aug. 14 and charged with two counts of first-degree arson, according to records.

The state fire marshal’s office did not release details about the incident or incidents that led to the arrest. Martin’s bond is set at $150,000 for each count, totaling $300,000.

The news shocked many Indianola residents, who called the allegations a “violation of public trust.”

“I think they’re dedicated people to the calls and to their jobs, and I can’t envision or imagine one deliberately setting fires,” said Davi Hobbs of Indianola.

“Well, I think that’s stupid. He has no right to do that. He’s supposed to save people, save yourself, and burning it up—it ain’t going to make no difference,” said Robert Krok, also of Indianola.

City leaders confirmed Martin has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of an investigation.

Firefighter arson is rare but not unheard of. The National Volunteer Fire Council says about 100 firefighters are convicted of arson nationwide each year.

In Mississippi, notable cases include Bolivar County firefighter Calvin Simmons, who pled guilty in 2003 to burning Shaw City Hall, and two volunteer firefighters in Jones County charged in 2018, according to firehouse.com.

For many in Indianola, the accusations hit close to home. Some residents expressed concern for community safety.

“I’m glad they caught it because it could set something on fire. The kids might be in there,” Krok said.

“When the fire starts, we need somebody that’s dedicated to come to our rescue,” Hobbs added. #fire #arson #firefighter #news #thedeltanews