By John Hopkins
The Virginian-Pilot
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CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A 27-year-old Chesapeake man has been fined $100 for impersonating a firefighter.
James King of the 2800 block of Lambert Trail in the Deep Creek section of the city was convicted this week in Chesapeake General District Court, fined and ordered to pay $187 in court costs. Lambert also was given a suspended 60-day jail sentence, according to court records.
King was arrested by the Chesapeake Fire Marshal’s Office on March 20 in Chesapeake. He had responded to several emergency calls in full firefighter attire, holding a first-aid kit, according to fire officials.
The charge stemmed from a March 14 incident in which King was seen at a wreck on the Va. 168 bypass northbound near Interstate 64, fire officials said.
Investigators found a firefighter helmet, boots, gloves, pants and coat in his car, as well as red and white warning lights and an electronic siren.
It is a crime in Virginia for anyone to impersonate a certified emergency medical services personnel or firefighter, including any special forest warden, fire marshal or fire chief. The misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and $2,500 fine.
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