A dumpster fire early Sunday morning was followed by an unprovoked attack on members of the Jackson Fire Department and Jackson Police Department when individuals used fireworks as weapons – was addressed by JFD Chief Darryl Samuels Jr., and JPD Chief Julian Wiser, at City Hall, Tuesday.

The fire – and attack – occurred at 1:13 a.m., Sunday, at 33 Carver Avenue in the area of Lincoln Courts Apartments, where one firefighter suffered minor injuries and one fire department vehicle was reported damaged.

“While responding to the scene of a dumpster fire … early Sunday morning, a significant amount of small and large mortar rounds were directed at the emergency personnel of both (JPD, JFD) departments,” Samuels said, “We respond to inner volatile environments while mitigating fires, saving lives and protecting property.

“During the course of our crews performing their duty, they should not be concerned about their personal safety.”

Continuing, Samuels said “I want to pose a question to you ‘How would you feel if a member of your family was attacked, assaulted with the callous disregard of life and property?’

“Members of my (JFD) family and my extended family – law enforcement – were attacked – and shame on those individuals responsible for the attack, and shame on those of you who have information and are unwilling to share.”

Wiser said no police officers were injured or vehicles damaged, but the incident remains under investigation, and both the JPD and JFD might have help in the form of cellphone video.

“There is some cellphone footage that has come up in the investigation (but) I’m not sure where (investigation) is on that,” Wiser said, “Police presence in the area has been increased, and based on what is known … the dumpster was intentionally set on fire.

“This type of act and behavior will not be tolerated.”

(PHOTO: Darryl Samuels Jr., center, Julian Wiser, right, and Jackson Mayor Scott Conger)

David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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