Firefighter gunned down at home

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, expressed shock at the murder of firefighter Gary Samuels, who was one of two persons killed in a house in Free Hill, St Mary, early Sunday.

"This is still being intensely investigated by the police, but preliminary information is that firefighter Samuels and another man were shot dead in his house by men who were pretending to be members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force," McKenzie said in a release yesterday.

"There are no reports at the moment about the motive for this vile act, which has left his relatives and the other man's relatives, friends and colleagues shocked and traumatised," McKenzie said. He said that Samuels was in the prime of his life and of his career, with 27 years of dedicated service under his belt.

"This is a painful and bewildering experience, and on behalf of the ministry and the leadership of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to all who knew Gary Samuels, and encourage his colleagues at the Port Maria Fire Station to be strong, even as they come to terms with this shocking and senseless incident," the release said. The other deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Barrington Clarke. One of Samuels' co-workers said he was playing football with members of his shift on Saturday evening. Samuels was stationed at the Port Maria Fire Station for the majority of his career, having enlisted in the brigade in 1997. His co-worker, who spoke with the news team on condition of anonymity, described Samuels as highly experienced, and as one who strived to impart knowledge to the younger generation of firefighters.

"He could lead from the front. He was one of the leaders who was hands-on, meaning he could give good, precise instructions, and he could also carry out the instructions himself if needed. To be honest, we are not taking it well, it's surreal to most people," the grieving firefighter said. He added that Samuels emphasised the importance of spending time with family, given the demands and rigours of the job.

"He's one of those persons with whom there was never a dull moment around. If he's upset or having a bad day, you wouldn't know because his attitude wouldn't change," the colleague told the news team.

Earlier this month, the brigade was plunged into mourning following the death of Shahine Nelson, who was stationed at the Stony Hill Fire Station. She was killed in a motor vehicle crash while travelling home.