Breaking News: Wife of Deputy Chief Dies

MOSS POINT – City officials learned late this morning that the wife of Deputy Chief Bobby Johnson died following a vehicle wreck in Florida.

Mrs. Johnson, whose first name was unavailable for this report, was in Jacksonville on Friday visiting with her daughter, who also was involved in the vehicle accident but was not hurt, according to Mayor Aneice Liddell. She said the deputy chief wife’s had been in Florida since Wednesday.

Apparently, Mrs. Johnson was reported to have been doing well after the wreck but died later at an area hospital.

Further details about the cause of her death and the accident itself were not known for this report.

Mayor Aneice Liddell said Deputy Chief Johnson was on his way to Jacksonville when he learned that his wife had passed away. She said Johnson and his daughter have other family members who live in Jacksonville.

Johnson's wife was always supportive of her husband, and attended any and every function that involved the deputy chief, the mayor said. "He and his wife did everything together. They were very close."

Liddell said another officer from the Moss Point Police Department probably would travel to Jacksonville to help Johnson make the return trip to the city, but exact plans depend on continuing circumstances surrounding his spouse's death.

"We are waiting to see what his needs are," she said around midday Friday.

Law Enforcement Academy Graduates Katrina Class

BILOXI -- The first law enforcement class to graduate here since Hurricane Katrina marched today at the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy, according to media reports.

Next class begins Jan. 03

It has been five years since the academy was in South Mississippi, returning this summer after moving from Long Beach when the storm damaged the campus of University of South Mississippi at Gulf Park. Until June, the academy was at Camp Shelby outside Hattiesburg.

Eleven cadets graduated in today's ceremony, according to news from www.wlox.com

Fireman Fights Fire at His Own Home, Saves Photos

"It's a weird feeling. ... I never thought I'd see the day I'd have to respond to a fire at my own house." -- Firefighter Woodrow McCarthy

MOSS POINT -- Woodrow McCarthy had to shake the shock and temporary paralysis from his mind and body when the emergency call came from the police dispatcher on Sunday afternoon.

As part of normal procedure to make sure firefighters have heard the correct address, they asked the dispatcher to again give the location of the house fire that was burning at 4507 Third Street.

He'd heard right the first time: His house was on fire.

"It was shock. Then you have that kind of mini-paralysis," he said about midday Monday.

The Moss Point homeowner was among about city personnel who rushed to the scene to put out the blaze in temperatures also ablaze in an ongoing heatwave. Three firefighters suffered heat exhaustion and were taken to the county hospital. They were treated and released.

Three Firefighters Overcome by Heat Working House Fire

www.gulflive.com/themississippipress on Monday, July 09, 2010

"Three got heat exhaustion, but everybody pulled together and we did what we do. Nobody gave up on it," said the firefighter.

"It's a weird feeling. As many house fires as we respond to I never thought I'd have to respond to my own house," he said. "It's like that old saying, you have to laugh to keep from crying."

For just a moment, tears fell from his eyes and those of his wife's, Juanita, on Monday as they and other relatives went through burned furniture, smoke-damaged clothing, and photographs, even more precious now. Son Woodrow Jr. hugged his parents.

Fire inspector Robert Lavinghouse has said the house was a totally destroyed by fire and smoke. He estimated the older house sustained between $80,000 and $100,000 in damage.

"It appears to be an electrical short in the bedroom," said Lavinghouse.

McCarthy said he called his wife after the dispatcher reiterated the Third Street location. He'd wanted to make sure his family was okay. She'd made the 911 call when she and the children returned home from church about 2 p.m. to find the house on fire.

"When we pulled up from church they went in," said Juanita McCarthy. "As I was coming up on the porch they ran and met me saying the room was on fire. It was my daughter's room."

Chandorria McCarthy is 15; brother Kedarrius is 13 and Woodrow Jr. is 12.

Her emotions took over for a while. "I was just hysterical. I had to pull myself together because my children were hysterical."

After calling 911 she got a call from her husband.

"I said, 'Baby our house is on fire. Baby, it's burning, burning!' He said, 'I'm on my way, I'm on my way.' He said when he came he was stunned."

Charred Home in Moss Point Belonged to A Fireman

www.wlox.com on Sunday, August 08, 2010

It took about eight hours to completely douse the fire, which was contained between 8 and 9 p.m., they said.

A unit from the Moss Point Fire Department, along with Lavinghouse and fire Chief Mike Dale returned to the scene Monday morning to check the attic and to determine the cause of the fire.

The McCarthy's and their younger son spent Monday with relatives outside at the house, finding shade under trees in the yard. Tears and relief were mixed as they were grateful to find many family photographs still intact.

"That to me was special. My twin was killed in a wreck years ago," said Juanita McCarthy. I was worried about the pictures I had of her that I had saved over the years."

She also found many mementos of school achievements earned by the children. She said the loss of furniture, clothes and other household items could be replaced.

"Thank God for my husband and children," the mother said.

Guardsman a Robbery Suspect, Suicide Victim

A young man suspected in a fast-food robbery in Slidell, La., and found dead after an vehicle wreck in Hancock County has been identified as a 24-year-old National guardsman, according to media reports.

I-10 Suicide Identified As National Guard member

www.wlox.com

Authorities named John Paul Loupe of LaPlace, La., as the person found following a one-vehicle wreck near Diamondhead. A pathologist has ruled the death a suicide after the guardsman was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head.

Lady at the Helm of George County Sheriff Department

LUCEDALE -- Debbie Welford pledged to do her best in honor of her husband, Sheriff Garry Welford.

She took the helm of the George County Sheriff's Department today, sworn by Judge Dale Harkey.

The wife of the two-term sheriff replaced her husband, who was struck and killed July 21, authorities have said, by Brandy Williams driving a pickup truck on Bexley Road.

Reportedly the girlfriend of criminal suspect Christopher Baxter, officials said she was trying to avoid spike strips that Welford was attempting to place on the roadway to stop their fleeing truck during a law enforcement pursuit.

Welford was buried a week ago today at the cemetery of Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Debbie Welford to lead Sheriff's Department

LUCEDALE -- Until a November special election is held to select a new sheriff, the widow of Garry Welford will serve in his position at the George County Sheriff's Department, according to the Mississippi Press.

Debbie Welford will replace her husband, a two-term sheriff in George County who was killed July 21 on Bexley Road as he worked to stop a fleeing suspect and his girlfriend during a law enforcement pursuit.

July Deadliest Month in Afghanistan

The death of six more American soldiers killed this week makes July 2010 the deadliest month of the 9-year-war in Afghanistan, according to AOL News on July 30.

The information, provided by the Associated Press, said in part:

"The deaths raise the July tally of U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan to 66, making this month the deadliest of the war since U.S. warplanes began bombing Afghanistan a month after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. For NATO as a whole, 86 foreign service members have been killed this month. June was the deadliest-ever month for the entire NATO force, with 104 deaths, including 60 Americans."

Let us Salute and Honor the fallen members of our military services, and pray for and help their families.

Flags on the National Mall

George County Sheriff's Personnel Honor Boss, Carry On

LUCEDALE -- For several hours this morning, Stone County law enforcement took over duties for George County personnel who led the procession and took center stage to lay to rest their slain leader.

George County Sheriff Killed in Line of Duty Laid to Rest

www.gulflive.com/themississippipress by reporter Cherie Ward

"It's a sad day," said Vicki Micelle, a receptionist at the George County Correctional Facility. "It's a very great loss."

Not all of the 42-member personnel at the jail attended funeral services for Sheriff Garry Welford. A skeletal crew remained on duty during a jail lock-down for services Monday morning.

Deputies and sheriff's department officials were among some 500 officers, according to news reports, from across the Gulf Coast who paid their respects to the sheriff and his family.

Approximately 1,500 people attended the services at Shady Grove Baptist Church, where some attendants braved sweltering 98 degree heat while standing outside to hear services for the two-term sheriff. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant was reported to be among the crowd.

Five days after Welford was run over and killed July 21, allegedly by the girlfriend of a fleeing criminal suspect, he was laid to rest at the church cemetery just off Mississippi 26.

Sheriff Garry Welford 'Died Courageously'

www.sunherald.com by reporter Margaret Baker

"He was a very great man," said Micelle. "I've known him for several, several years ... 20 something years."

Reporter Cherie Ward said George County deputies and commanders led the procession as it traveled from the George County Courthouse to Shady Grove Baptist Church, where Welford attended.

Christopher Lee Baxter, 24, and Brandy Williams, 18, have been charged with capital murder. Williams was driving the truck that hit Welford, according to law officials. Apparently, she was trying to avoid spike sticks placed on Bexley Road by Welford to stop the vehicle.

George County Pays Tribute to Sheriff Garry Welford

www.wlox.com by reporter Patrice Clark

By early Monday afternoon, George County deputies had returned from the services for the two-term sheriff, who is survived by his wife, Debbie, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Facility employees carried on despite their heavy hearts, the receptionist said. Micelle said the day was hectic number of residents and visitors local and statewide present to remember and honor Welford.

"Everybody just got back," she said. "Other than being hot and sweaty, they are fixing to carry on with the day. They already have released the Stone County officers."

Read obituary and post your own comments

www.legacy.com

Funeral Set for George County Sheriff Garry Welford

LUCEDALE -- Funeral services will be held Monday, July 26, for George County Sheriff Garry Welford who was killed July 21 on Bexley Road.

The sheriff was attempting to bring an end to law enforcement pursuit of Christopher Lee Baxter, 24, and Brandy Nicole Williams, 19. They have been charged with capital murder and being held without bond at an undisclosed correctional facility in the state.

Update:

Sheriff Garry Welford "Died Courageously"
www.sunherald.com Tuesday, July 27, 2010

First Lady Christens Stratton (WMSL 752)

First Lady Michelle Obama breaks a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow of the Coast Guard's newest national security cutter, officially christening the ship Stratton (WMSL 752). More than 3,000 guests attended the ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding facilities in Pascagoula, Miss. Mrs. Obama was supported by (l-r) Mike Petters, president, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Bruce Baffer, prospective commanding officer, Stratton (WMSL 752) and Adm. Robert Papp Jr., commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

(Globe Wire)

PASCAGOULA -- First Lady Michelle Obama christened the Northrop Grumman-built (NYSE:NOC) U.S. National Security Cutter Stratton(WMSL 752) in front of 3,000 guests today calling the ship "truly magnificent." Stratton is the third of eight planned National Security Cutters being built at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Pascagoula for the U.S. Coast Guard. With its 418-foot length and 4,700 ton full load displacement and state-of-the-art command and control systems, the NSC is the largest and most technologically advanced of the new multi-mission cutters. "Here in Pascagoula, you've been building ships for centuries," said Mrs. Obama. "It's in your blood—a proud tradition passed from generation to generation. Your hands have given us some of the greatest ships in the United States Navy and Coast Guard. So whether you're a welder or a fitter or a burner—whatever your craft—today is also a tribute to you and your families, and America thanks you." Stratton is named in honor of Captain Dorothy C. Stratton (1899-2006), the U.S. Coast Guard's first female commissioned officer and director of the SPARS ("Semper Paratus - Always Ready"), the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve during World War II. SPARS mainly replaced men in shore stations during most of the war; however as the war progressed SPARS were placed in charge of greater areas of previously male-only control—including as parachute riggers, aviation machinists' mates and air control tower operators. Several former SPARS attended the ceremony. In his ceremony remarks, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding president Mike Petters recognized all of the shipbuilders who are building Stratton and added, "Captain Stratton was truly a trailblazer – and I know that her passion and energy will be embodied in this great ship named for her, built by the best shipbuilders in the world." U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Bruce Baffer is the ship's prospective commanding officer and will lead a crew of 120 U.S. Coast Guard sailors. "Christening of Stratton is an important step in advancing our Coast Guard mission," said Admiral Robert Papp, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) is capable of meeting all maritime security mission needs. Powered by a twin propeller combined diesel and gas turbine power propulsion plant, the NSC is designed to travel at 28 knots maximum speed. The cutter includes an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats, and a flight deck to accommodate a range of manned and unmanned rotary wing aircrafts. It is the largest and most technologically advanced class of cutter in the U.S. Coast Guard, with robust capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defense missions. This class of cutters plays an important role enhancing the Coast Guard's operational readiness, capacity, and effectiveness at a time when the demand for their services has never been greater. "Cutter Stratton...embodies our drive to constantly innovate and evolve our maritime capabilities and leverage technology to our greatest advantage. It also reflects our desire to create a more modern, agile and forward-leaning Coast Guard capable of handling a new era of national security threats," said Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is responsible for the construction and testing of the NSC's hull, mechanical, and electrical systems, while Lockheed Martin is building and integrating the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities onboard the cutters. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Transition Program Eases Soldiers into Civilian Life

BILOXI -- Staff Sergeant Frankie Beamon talks about coming home and returning to the everyday things that make life worth living -- family, friends, walking in the neighborhood without the constant threat of death.

See his story at www.wlox.com

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is used by the 155th Infantry Battalion. Major Joe Hardaman is the state director.

Photos Sunday’s public fireworks displays are at 8:30 p.m. on Ocean Springs front beach, 8:45 p.m. near the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor and 9 p.m. near the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue) Download HiRes A blast isn't always a good thing Firework safety tips Posted 6/30/2010 81st Training Wing Safety Office and Public Affairs 6/30/2010 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- *NOTE: Please remain vigilant of current oil spill updates as they may affect beach availability for 4th of July firework demonstrations off highway 90. Go tohttp://biloxi.ms.us/Oil_Spill/index.html for further information.* Dry weather in south Mississippi makes fireworks a dangerous proposition for Independence Day. James Palmer, Keesler's fire prevention chief, stressed that fireworks are strictly prohibited on base and in surrounding cities, but fireworks continue to be sold in Harrison and Jackson counties outside city limits. "Some people insist on buying and using them, regardless of the dangers," Mr. Palmer said. A June 2010 report from the National Fire Prevention Association noted that in 2008, the most recent year for which statistics are available, about 7,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms. About 53 percent involve injuries to the extremities and 37 percent to the head. About 40 percent of the injuries involved young people under the age of 15. Sparklers, often considered "safe" for young children, caused 22 percent of the injuries, and small firecrackers accounted for 18 percent. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an outdoor public display put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet from the launch area. For people who opt to light their own fireworks, here are some safety reminders: Fireworks are not toys. They burn at about the same temperature as a household match. Buy fireworks from reliable merchants. Never attempt to make your own homemade fireworks. Mixing chemical powders can result in an untimely explosion that can cause death or injuries. Know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are federally-banned explosives that can cause serious injury or even death. If you know of anyone selling such devices, contact your local police department. Different fireworks mean different hazards, so read the instructions on each one and follow them carefully. Avoid anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use. Light the tip of each firework at arm's length, using a fireworks lighter or fuse wick. Move back immediately. Light one firework or sparkler at a time. Rockets should be launched from a rocket launcher, not from glass or metal containers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure that anyone holding one wears gloves and puts each spent one into a bucket of water as soon as it's gone out. Never give fireworks to small children. Close adult supervision of all fireworks activities is necessary. Don't throw fireworks onto a bonfire. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Don't carry fireworks in your pocket. Always ignite fireworks outdoors. Never throw fireworks at another person. If a firework doesn't go off, it could still be live and could go off unexpectedly. Douse the "dud" with water, then bury it. Pets hate bangs and flashes and get frightened around fireworks, so keep pets indoors and close curtains to make things calmer. Before lighting any fireworks, make sure enough room is available in a safe place. Have a full bucket of water handy for any emergency, and for disposing of used sparklers. Loose clothing or scarves can catch on fire very easily. If clothing catches fire, stop, drop to the ground and roll over to put out the flames. Drinking alcohol adds to the danger when there are fireworks and bonfires around. Consider not having any alcoholic drinks available until after all fireworks have been set off. For more information, call the safety office, 377-2910, or fire prevention office, 377-8441.