Petal Fire Chief Joe Hendry announces retirement from department

VIDEO: Time has winded down for Petal Fire Chief Joe Hendry, who will now be hanging up his hat for retirement. A Perry County native, Hendry spent 25 years working in Hattiesburg before moving over to Petal in 2010 to become chief of the Petal Fire Department. Hendry said the new job was a saving grace. “We had lost a son between the time when I interviewed in October and came to work in February,” said Hendry. “We lost a son in December, so it gave me something to focus on and turn my energies to.” Coworkers said Hendry has since grown into a leader everyone respects and looks up to. “He has great policies. He’s a great leader,” said Assistant Fire Chief Marion Sims. “He’s moved this department forward since he’s been here.” “For me, he’s probably been the best chief we’ve had here.”
WDAM-TV NBC/ABC 7 Laurel

8 fallen Mississippi firefighters to be honored during national ceremony

Eight fallen firefighters from Mississippi will be honored at the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 4-5 in Emmitsburg, Md. This year’s national tribute will honor 89 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2023 and 137 firefighters who died in previous years. “National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is a time for our nation to pause and reflect on the heroic efforts and selfless service of the fallen firefighters we are paying tribute to this year,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. “We will always remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of each of these heroes – and their families.” The events open to the public as part of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend include a candlelight service on May 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET and a memorial service on May 5 at 10 a.m. ET. Both will be held at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park.
SuperTalk Mississippi

Gulfport apartment complex fire being investigated as arson

VIDEO: Chief Billy Kelley of the Gulfport Fire Department said an early Monday morning fire at a Gulfport apartment complex is now being investigated as a possible arson. Crews were called to the Emerald Pines Apartments around 4:07 a.m. Crews arrive in less than five minutes, and saw a heavy fire was burning the complex’s office building. Chief Kelley said firefighters immediately deployed hand lines and extinguished the flames. Thankfully, no injuries were reported and none of the apartment units were impacted. Officials said 17 firefighters helped extinguish the blaze. How the fire started is still under investigation, and no suspects have been identified at this time.
WLOX-TV ABC/CBS 13 Biloxi