The three persons, including a 1-year-old infant, who were rescued from a duplex fire on Basket Street last month are doing well, says Greenwood Fire Chief Marcus Banks.
“I am proud to report that our firefighters — state’s best, Greenwood’s bravest — were successful in rescuing all three victims,” he said. “The victims have been treated and released. We talked to all three of them, and they are doing fine.”
Banks spoke during the Greenwood City Council meeting Tuesday and brought along with him the shift of firefighters who worked the fire to recognize them for their hard work.
On Nov. 25, Jennifer Williams, her daughter Faith Williams and Kevin Mays were rescued by firefighters after the duplex at 2010 Basket St. caught fire. Fire Marshal Victor Stokes said in a previous interview that he suspected the fire may have been electrical.
According to Assistant Fire Chief John Lewis, the firefighters saved not only the three victims but also two kittens from the burning duplex.
The City Council also recognized the Greenwood High School football team for winning the school’s fifth straight district championship. The Bulldogs advanced to the third round of the 4A playoffs before losing to Louisville and finished the season at 10-3.
“We have brought them here to honor them, and to once again let them know ... how we appreciate how you represent Greenwood and Greenwood Public Schools,” said Council President Ronnie Stevenson.
Greenwood High head coach Clinton Gatewood accepted the award and introduced his coaching assistants along with some of the football players.
“We work hard every day trying to make sure that they are not only doing what they are supposed to on the field but also in the classroom,” he said.
He then dedicated the award to the school district’s superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Wilson, who was also present at the meeting.
In other business, the City Council:
•Approved a $238,000 upgrade to the Police Department’s radio system.
The current system does not allow officers to communicate with other law enforcement agencies, said Police Chief Ray Moore.
“We cannot talk to surrounding agencies, we cannot talk to the (Leflore County) Sheriff’s Department, the Highway Patrol, any of the state agencies,” he said. “We can’t even talk to the Fire Department.”
The purchase will include 70 handheld radios and 35 mobile radios. The Greenwood Fire Department and the Leflore County Sheriff’s Department already have upgraded to the Mississippi Wireless Information Network.
•Approved allowing CGI Communications, a video production and digital marketing company from Rochester, New York, to film a virtual tour of Greenwood. The video will not cost the city, and the CGI communication team will interview tourists, residents and local businesses as part of the video, according to Mayor Carolyn McAdams.
•Approved the appointment of attorney Charles J. Swayze Jr. to the Greenwood Utilities Commission. He will replace Tommy Gary, whose term ends in January.
•Contact Lauren Randall at 581-7239 or lrandall@gwcommonwealth.com.
