Friday the 13th--Lumberton Edition


In an effort to show some good will on behalf of the residents of Lumberton, Melinda Carli, Branch Manager of the Lumberton Library, took a trailer loaded with supplies to Smithville, MS, an area that was devastated by the recent tornado. While Melinda, Chief Fortenberry and other citizens and city officials were on their way to Smithville, they were not aware of the storm that was brewing in the City of Lumberton. The citizens of Lumberton as well as other areas, donated supplies, time and money to help in the effort; Chief Fortenberry and a Lamar County deputy escorted the group to Smithville. One would think that this would have been a story featured on either News 7 or the Hattiesburg American. Instead, we were awakened to the news story of a person being arrested for impersonating a police officer and it was later followed up with a story on News 7. When the rumors first started circulating about someone impersonating a police officer, it was said that the story was a total fabrication. Later, after the story was published in the Hattiesburg American, Lamar County Sheriff, Danny Rigal, stated that there was an undercover narcotics agent in Lumberton and he stopped a man on Myrick Avenue because he looked "suspicious" (which is code for walking, talking or driving while black). When the chief took the report, he followed through with the proper guidelines and subitted the information to the county to have a warrant issued. Someone stated that they bet the undercover narcotis officer didn't look anything like the person arrested, but if you describe a white male with a Southern drawl, wearing boots and tight Wrangler jeans, you named half of the people that attened the Jeff Bates concert. But my question is this. . . when the man said he came to the police department to clear his name, did any witnesses come forth, did anyone give an official statement to the police department. I seriously doubt it; otherwise, the matter wouldn't have led to an arrest if he had witnesses to come forth to verify his wereabouts on the day in question. Now, the man involved said he want a public apology from the City of Lumberton. But I wonder if he plans on apologizing to Chief Fortenberry, Mayor Holder and the city employee for the racially charged comment he allegedly made when he angrily stomped out of city hall when he was talking about the case. I am certain that he will either say he didn't say anything or make the claim that he made the comment in anger.(In my opinion, people generally don't say what they really mean until they are angry.) But if he's gonna demand an apology, he need to be willing to apologize for his comment as well.

Comments

  1. Jonathan, could you expound on this, because it is very confusing as written. Are you saying that a man was arrested who was not actually impersonating an officer? What does the undercover have to do with anything? If the person arrested was indeed NOT impersonating an officer, wouldn't it still go before a judge or something, or has the city dropped the charges AND he wants a public apology?

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  2. Sorry for any confusion, I hope this helps. William L. King was arrested for impersonating a police officer, but he was cleared when Danny Rigel informed the newspaper that an undercover narcotis agent had stopped the man. I don't know why Chief Fortenberry wasn't told that there was an undercover agent in the area. And it seems that this post really wasn't needed since I just say that Chief Fortenberry has apologized for the arrest of William King.

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  3. Yes as a matter of fact there were over a dozen witness statements that were turned it. and what happened to them? and Yes the person is owed a BIG Apology. This whole matter was handled wrong from the start.. if all it took was someone going in and makeing a report then the person is arrested why has NOONE been arrested for all the missing city equipment when there has been a report made?

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  4. I am so sick of the red-necks at the fire department that sit around looking for ways to make the city look bad. They want an apology and keep talking about missing equiment. Well, bitch, if you know where the equipment is then you need to stop jaw jacking and put it out there. Otherwise, shut up, Bitch.

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  5. When the chief takes a report, there is nothing to be submitted to the county. The affidavit and warrant is done through the city because it happened in the city. It is my understanding that chief Fortenberry signed the affidavit himself. If so, that is illegal since he did not witness the violation.

    Just because they described a white male wearing blue jeans, and as you say could be anyone leaving a Jeff Bates concert, why would they assume it was Mr. King?

    When Mr. King came to clear his name, why would he need to bring witnesses? I would think that him being at the hospital next to his dying father would be enough.

    The Lamar County Sheriff's Dept. does not have to inform Chief Fortenberry of anything when they come to Lumberton. They can come and go as they please. After the incident, though, the Chief was made aware that it was a narcotics agent that made the stop. Why Mr. King was still arrested only a certain few will know.

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  6. I want to know how Walters and King got a copy of the dispatch log and why didn't the chief get a copy of that information before he proceeded with an arrest. This man do need an apology, it sounds like some of the same bull crap that had a teen arrested as an adult. When will this department get it together? It seems like they want to make an example out of the good cops and let the bad ones (the ones that leave the police car running w/ the air conditioner on while they talk on their cell phones, the ones that sit on fb all day, the ones that lose complaints in exchange for sexual favors) get away.

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  7. What's going on at city hall? It's a gaggle of rednecks up there and if you put them all side by side you still won't have a full set of teeth.

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  8. LMBO@ Anonymous@ 11:11BBBBBBBBBBBBahahahahah!!!
    gaggle of rednecks + mississing teeths=trailor-trash

    Daville!!

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  9. Well it has always been said that Rednecks stand for truth and Justice.. Well i reckon they were right. and it is so funny that you want to make it that we are doing this over race.. Hell half my family is black so got ya on that one.. come up with another reason

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  10. they arer nont rednecks at city hall they are the columbia klan out for the own benifit they have there own set of rules wake up people it could happen to you next

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  11. Injustice has been taking place in Lumberton for years. Whenever people are not satisfied with the police department, they complain. They weren't satisfied with Cooks, Cooper and Lady Blue b/c they said Cooks was eating at everybody house and Cooper was sleep as well as Woods; they weren't happy with Hill and Juan b/c they were sleeping with everbody in town and they're not satisfied now with these officers b/c they're from Columbia; I don't like police officers but I rather have a clean officer from Columbia instead of having a wife beating, credit card stealing, cop from Meredian.

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  12. I'm just wondering why everybody keeps coming down on the fire department. These people serve you for free. They the ones that get up all hours of the night when you got a sick baby or you are sick yourself. And why aren't there any young black men joining the fire deepartment? The fire department is being called racist yet not one young black man ever puts in an app;ication. I don't know what has happened to lumberton but i do know that i don't like it.

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  13. They are not doing it for free, they have a pretty hefty budget that they have total control over and they are splitting the funds among themselves, which could explain why they don't want any young or old black ppl joining the ranks.

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  14. I love people talking that have not a clue as to what they are saying.. and every penny that is spent there is a record of and they are accountable for.

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  15. right and columbia cops are honest they buy things and will not pay their bills or have inshorence on they owne car

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  16. Hefty Budget? The fire dept. gets $1000 a month to cover expenses that might incure. Young, old black or white, everyone is treated the same. And anyone who wants to call me recist, do it to my face. I have 2 african american nephews, a number of mixed nieces & nephews and a son in law from El Salvador so you racist bigots can kiss my human being loving ass! Oh, I also have an African American brother in law!

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  17. The fire department is also over a hefty grant and that does not include the $1,000/per month you get from the City of Lumberton. You think b/c you have ppl in your family that love dark meat, that means you're not a racist. It goes deeper than that. I once had a Mexican housekeeper but that don't mean I don't want immigration laws. I have had trouble trying to stay on my diet, but knowing that I would have to rely on the LFD for support is enough to keep me on the treadmill. You are a department head and it's disgusting you and your crew of misfits are always on facebook making threats and causing even more strife in the City of Lumberton. If you want respect then you need to conduct yourself in a respectful manner. I see you all the time, can be more face to face than that and I think I'll past on the invitation to your ass since I'm not into incest, like you.

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  18. THis is so stupid !!!!! Anyone that knows ANYTHING and does not want o look STUPID knows that a grant has to be spent on certain items and there are rules to follow and you have to get approval on spending it.. So to even mention that makes you look stupid.. and what does you ( which I doubt) having a mexican housekeeper have to do with anything. If you knew anything about respect then you would be MAN enough to put your name on this instead of anonymous on it.

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  19. Hey Anonymous,

    Why don't you grow a pair and say your name or keep your opinions to yourself. Jerry Walters is my dad and he is a good man! He sacrifices alot of his time and effort for the Lumberton Volunteer Fire Department. If you think you can do a better job, then try to take over, but then of course that means you'd have to man up and reveal your identity. As far as the incest accusations, I recommend you back off and wait til you know what the hell you're talking about first. It is really sad that somebody who wants nothing but the best for the City of Lumberton gets nothing but disrespect from jackasses like you.

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  20. I want the anonymous poster who accused me of incest to face me with the accusation to my face. My daughter just left here and she is highly upset that something like that would be said like that about me. Now if my kids are upset about it, where is the proof. I don't know why you are trying to ruin someones reputation but if you are gonna do it atleast me man or woman enough to bring your proof to me. Other than that stop attacking me when i haven't done anything wrong or i will find out who you are, and believe me i can find out, and i will file charges of slander against you.

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  21. well hell if you take the walters fire dept and put them all together u would have alot of inbreeds with one set of teeth that they share and no brain

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  22. The next time you call 911 for a fire or medical emergency, be sure to ask for the Walters Fire Dept and see how fast Lumberton Fire department responds. Nuf Said.

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  23. You must not be a very educated person. All you do i some on here and talk about the way people look or how smart you rhink they are, which really doesn't matter to me. You go get your certification to instruct and pass the National Registry for EMT's and we will talk about the one brain you mentioned. You are showing a severe lack of intellegence by posting the things you do. You are one of the reasons this city can't heal. You need to run for alderman next term because you will fit right in. Other than that, come run this department the way you think it should be run so i can take a break!

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  24. Once again there goes someone talking that had no idea of what they are talking about and sound a bit stupid.
    This ALL needs to end . why cant people act like adults and stop the name calling.. If ya have a problem with the Fire Department. Call the board and ask for a face to face meeting. But then again you would have to show who you are.. So i doubt that happens. But you have slipped up with certain things you have said and we know who you are.. so the time is coming when ALL will be known..

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  25. Wow this just blows my mind, some of the idiots on here are plain out stupid... I have been in law enforcement for 7 1/2 years and have been a medical first responder for about 4 years... I recently finished my National Registry as a EMT-B... I have been in the Vol Fire Service for about 2 years and it is amazing how fast someone can talk trash about the Medical Responders and Fire Fighters but i promise the day you need us all that trash track and slander will stop and you will be begging for us to respond. It really blows my mind how a few uneducated citizens can screw up the entire reputation of a Volunteer Service. What really upsets me the most is how some of the members of the services let their emotions and anger take over before they post something just to add to distruction of our reputation.

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  26. I will go on reord as saying I have seen Jerry Walters National Registry First Responder card with my own eyes and a picture of his National Registry Certificate for his EMT. I myself as a NREMT of 11 years and former member of the LVFD did take time showing him and even correcting him when needed during his time in medical training. And with that I will say this test wasn't easy when I passed it back in 2000 and it sure hasn't gotten any easier since. If you want to verify anyones Nartional Registry status please do so by going go this site and do so. For those who claim to be and are not this will show the truth https://www.nremt.org/nremt/about/checkEmtStatus.asp

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  27. I don't think it's a matter of people thinking that this person is certified or not. . it's all been taken to a new low because of the way people in the LVFD are conducting themselves. Until recently, the LVFD was probably the only department in the City of Lumberton that wasn't upset with me and this blog. I was supportive of the fire department and the things they were doing, but then over the last week or so, things go ugly. When I was contacted by a friend and told about the things that was said to him by individuals that identified themselves as members of the LVFD, my view of that department changed. I have been blogging for quite some time and have received a lot of flack from every corner of the city, but I don't need to resort to behaving like a troglodyte to get my point across. We're all human and whenever someone that in the public resort to those types of behavior, I don't have any confidence in them. I know it can be difficult whenever someone's attacking you but responding with the profanity and threats is not going to make you look any better. Sometimes people like to blow up and let out their steam, but once the bell is rung it can't be silenced. So, the threats are pointless. . you know who they are, you're going to sue them for slander, etc. I have heard those comments directed towards me ever since I stated blogging. Take your info and run with it because you're not going to stop people from thinking the way they think. This board has been a circus since the day they were sworn in. And just a note for those that are still hung up on tracing IP addresses and filing lawsuits, I have a little bit of insider information for you. Whenever a person uses a wi-fi hot spot or public internet access, everyone on those computers will have the same IP address. Something you might consider when you "get" the person that you're taking to court for slander.

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  28. The issue here is the people trying to place everyone reputaion on the line for those who are actually doing the threats, slander, and any other unprofessional and uneducated comments and posts... That is where i have a problem

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  29. Jonathan, i have always read the informer whether i agreed with everything that was said or not. But, you have disappointed me. I thought of you as being one of the more open minded, intelligent people around. But to change the way you feel about the LVFD based on the words of someone who identifies themselves as a firefighter here and coming down to the fire station to ask if it is true or not is two different stories. Sure, i have one firefighter who blew his top, with good cause. But he keeps his personal life away from the fire department. You and i speak every time we see each other. All you have to do is ask me a question. I refuse to lie to you. Sometimes, the truth is different from what you hear from your "Friends".

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  30. Just because some of the Lumberton Fire Dept. acts out or says something doesn't mean we are all feel the same way. Try coming to us and ask us before assuming. I am only here to do good for my community and I will not be ran off for doing what I feel I should be doing. I do not understand why so called Godly people would or could stoop so low as to down any of God's children or otherwise. I think it is time to stop all of the bickering and calling out people to put down on. We are all human beings that should have enough respect for others to go to them face to face with their concerns or complaints. All of this name calling is childish and I think all of the childish stuff should have ended when we became husbands, wives, parents or an adult period. I love everyone equally no matter their skin color, their religion or life style. Ask the people I give food to or the people that ran out of gas and I helped them. If someone asks me for something I will do what I can to help them out. I am here for my community. (LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF)is my concern, no matter what anyone thinks because God knows the truth! The only one I can speak for is myself. Each person has their own thoughts and actions but that doesn't mean everyone agrees with them.

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  31. If it is one or two people that are the problem.. please call them out by name, lets set up a meeting where these issues can be addressed.. But to put down on the whole department is not right. The actions or One is not the actions of all...

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  32. Have you ever heard of the phrase, birds of a feather flock together? I think Jerry made it clear that it doesn't matter what the ppl at the LVFD say, since the one firefighter that blew his top had a "good cause." It's one thing to sit around and let people think you're stupid, it's another when you open your mouth and prove them right.

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  33. I said that Roy had good cause to blow his top for being falsly arrested. I didn't say it doesn't matter what people at the LVFD say. Stupid is as Stupid does and you are the one keeping this arguement going. I have asked all my firefighters not to post or respond to post on the Lumberton Informer until all this childish playing stops. One day you will need us and i give you my word that we will be there for you.

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  34. The original purpose of the post was to show how good things in Lumberton are always pushed aside for the bad. News 7 did not say anything about the aid the City of Lumberton offered to the residents of Smithville. I don't know how this became a battering ram for people to beat up on the LVFD. . there has been a lot of hurtful statements made and it goes to show that there is still a lot of work that's left to be done here in Lumberton. It is my belief that the chaos that is taking place at city hall is spilling over into our city. If respect, kindness and love is not exhibited from those we elected, how is it going to be reflected in our communities. It's time out for the us vs them mentality. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

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  35. Jon I love this post. That is how I feel. Lets all end this here.. We are here to help the community. Lets all work together.. Maybe if everyone will put this kind of effort into helping the city. We may can have change. Thank you For the last statement. it is true

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