Fire Captain Donald "Donny" Jones, 56, a 31 year veteran of the Jacksonville Fire Department, Arkansas, on March 19, 2012, at 10:30 p.m., responded with fire and police to a single-vehicle accident that involved a damaged gas main. While working to clear the scene of the accident, a second motor vehicle reportedly accelerated and veered off of the road striking two firefighters and a police officer. Captain Jones was killed upon impact. The police officer and second firefighter were both transported by air to the hospital and are reported to be in critical but stable condition. The driver of the second vehicle has been charged with 2nd degree murder and two counts of criminal intent to commit 2nd degree murder given that, according to witnesses, this person allegedly did not try to stop.
Our condolences to the Jones Family & Friends, the Jacksonville Fire Department, and to all affected by Fire Captain Donald "Donny" Jones' passing.
To date, 21 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
