Vicksburg firefighters die in I-20 crash

Published 9:27 am Sunday, October 29, 2023

Two Vicksburg firefighters were killed early Sunday morning when the car they were in left Interstate 20, collided with a light pole and burst into flames.

Vicksburg Fire Chief Derrick Stamps said firefighters Jarod Squire and Derico Davis were in Squire’s car and returning from a Halloween party in the county. The wreck occurred about 1 a.m. Sunday.

He said they were westbound on I-20 at approximately 1:15 a.m. and were taking the Clay Street exit when Squire apparently lost control and the car left the road, striking a light pole near the Welcome to Vicksburg sign and burst into flames. They were declared dead at the scene.

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Stamps said arrangements were unavailable at this time, and a counseling session will be available for firefighters who responded to the wreck.

“On behalf of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the City of Vicksburg, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic loss of two of our brave firefighters, Derico Davis, firefighter/EMT and Jarod Squire, firefighter/paramedic,” Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said in a statement issued Sunday afternoon. “Join me in praying for our Vicksburg families of the fallen firefighters and the City of Vicksburg. We extend our deepest condolences to the families during this tragic time of loss. Our fallen firefighters served our community with valor, and their legacy will forever burn bright in our hearts.”

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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