First Coast News: A Jacksonville firefighter was wounded Tuesday evening during an apparent drive-by shooting when someone opened fire at a fire truck refueling outside a firehouse on the city’s Southside, sources tell First Coast News.
At some point, firefighters were pumping gas outside Station 28 near Southside Boulevard and Hogan Road when someone driving by apparently opened fire, Randy Wyse, president of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, told FCN in a phone interview.
About five or six shots were fired, police said. In the wake of the shooting, authorities have placed fire stations across the city on high alert.
A JFRD firefighter was grazed during the shooting, Wyse said. A source says he was not taken to the hospital. The Twitter account for JAFF says four firefighters escaped serious injury.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is canvassing the scene with metal detectors for shell casings.
Meanwhile, Mayor Alvin Brown condemned Tuesday’s shooting, vowing to do everything in his power to protect police and firefighters.
“I am outraged by cowardly attacks on our brave first responders. These attacks will not be tolerated. As Mayor, I will do everything in my power to protect the firefighters and police officers who work so hard to keep us safe. We will coordinate with the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and others to safeguard our dedicated fire and police personnel. They deserve no less.”
Hope they catch the perp.
DCG