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James L. Blackford III
An interesting twist in the Berkeley County, West Virginia arson case that left one firefighter with serious facial injuries and a second one under arrest. As Baker Heights VFD FF Kenneth Ayers recovers at the Washington Hospital Center, court records revealed today that Bedington VFD FF James Blackford admitted the fire began while he and another man were smoking crack cocaine. Investigators are still looking for the second man who ran off after the fire started. Blackford, a three year member at Bedington, ran to the firehouse which is nearby.
Here are excerpts from Matthew Umstead’s article in the Herald-Mail:
James L. Blackford III, 30, told investigators that the fire started after he and another individual ignited rubbing alcohol behind the barn to heat crack cocaine in a smoking device made from a plastic bottle, according to a complaint filed by Assistant State Fire Marshal Patrick J. Barker.
Blackford told investigators that he knocked the device from the other male’s hands and it fell to the ground, catching grass on fire, according to Barker’s complaint.
Blackford told investigators that he attempted to put the fire out by stomping the area but couldn’t put it out, according to Barker’s complaint.
Blackford did not say anything about the fire upon arriving at the station, but then responded to the blaze at 1495 Williamsport Pike with other volunteers, officials have said.
Blackford also was injured, though less seriously than Ayers, when a timber from a barn wall that collapsed outward fell on the firefighters, according to Barker’s complaint.
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I am Appalled and thoroughly Disgusted at the comments from this individual. I cannot associate him with the Fire and EMS SErvice to any Degree of Professionalism. Excuses of Drug Addiction smoking Crack Cocaine seems to be the easy way to get some understanding from this degenerate. It also seems a familiar excuse from that individual Tracey of Coatesville Fire Dept. What is it with these do nothing Dirt Bags? The only difference between Tracey's excuse and this individual is the fact No one was injured in Tracey's Fire. This individual has seriously injured a Brother Firefighter so he could enjoy his addiction. What a Toatl absolute Disgusting mess. The idea of being ill with an addiction in Public Safety is a washout excuse. I hope and Pray for the injured Firefighter. I sincerely hope he can and will regain his Total Health so he can continue to serve and protect the Neighbors/Taxpayers of his community. As for this individual and the other one Tracey they are nothing more than Overated showboat Hotdogs. Slime Balls of the definition goes. I would also hope both of these Volunteer Fire Depts can/must either establish and/or follow up Thorough Background check of any new applicants. I would hope some type of Psychological Testing Process is to be included in Background Investigations. I am a Veteran of the Fire and EMS Service both Career and Volunteer. I am totally ashamed at the actions of these two
do nothings. They should not be
associated with any Fire and EMS Service identification. Not only have they shamed their Brother and Sister Firefighters, they have have
lessened the Trust and Respect of their Friends and Neighbors who readily feel at ease knowing the Local Fire and EMS Departmsnts are there to serve and provide the Best Level of Professional Customer Service. I reaaly do Hope the Legal System will absolutely Punish these two ruthless/evil self serving scumbags with the full
Weight of Civilized Society Justice.
Thank You
associated with any Fire and EMS