Rickey Taylor Obituary, Death; – Jackson police have indicated that a firefighter is suspected of being involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident. Authorities responded to the scene at the intersection of Savanna Street and Interstate 55 South on Sunday evening, where a pedestrian was struck and subsequently killed by a vehicle. The deceased has been identified as 71-year-old Rickey Taylor.
The individual arrested in connection with the incident is Jeremy Burse, a lieutenant with the Jackson Fire Department, who was off duty at the time of the collision. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade stated, “This incident does not reflect the commitment and hard work of our firefighters in the city of Jackson.”
Jackson Fire Chief Willie Owens also addressed the situation, expressing his condolences. “I am praying for both families involved—the family of the victim and the family of the firefighter. I know the firefighter personally; he is a commendable individual, and I have not had any disciplinary issues with him,” Owens remarked.
Owens further noted that Burse informed the police that he was unaware he had struck a person. “He may have thought he hit an animal, but upon realizing that the debris reported in the news was from his vehicle, he acknowledged, ‘Oh, that’s part of my vehicle,’ and subsequently turned himself in,” Owens explained.
Burse faces charges of felony failure to stop and remain at the scene of an accident, which resulted in death or serious injury. He is currently being held without bond.
