JFD: Civic center fire alarm system not functional
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JACKSON, Tenn. — A surprising revelation comes to light after city records show the fire alarm in the Carl Perkins Civic Center does not work and has not for at least three years. The Jackson Fire Department violation records show violations for everything from broken emergency lights to the entire fire alarm system not working. It is a severe problem that officials said is being handled as quickly as possible. “We’re going to correct the problem in the most efficient way that we can,” Carl Perkins Civic Center facilities manager Perry Murphy said. A slew of violations are found inside the civic center’s fire safety systems, according to inspection records. “Typical violations we found were like any other business in town,” Jackson Fire Marshal Lamar Childress said. “Fire extinguishers needed mounting, not working emergency lights, which needed light bulbs.” Officials said most of the minor violations have been fixed, but the civic center’s fire alarm system is still a major problem. The inspection report said it has not functioned properly in three years. “You would see the lights, but you would not hear the fire horns inside the civic center,” Childress said. “Some pull stations were also not functional.” Childress said he was made aware of the problem last September by a city contractor, which then prompted the first full inspection of the building since 2002. “It’s not right, but it is an issue that we’re correcting now,” Childress said. “We’ve caught it, and it will not be a problem from this point forward.” Dozens of events are expected to take place at the civic center over the next few months, and officials say none were made aware of the violations when booking. “Probably not instantaneously on the phone,” Murphy said. “But obviously when the fire department is here, then they realize that they’re here for a reason.” As has been the practice, fire department officials said it will continue to have a firefighter at every event performing “fire watch” on the 3-story facility. “They make rounds typically every 30 minutes,” Childress said. “They’re just monitoring the building for unwanted fires, and they’re acting as a human fire alarm system.” Officials with the civic center said they currently are going through the bidding process to replace the fire alarm system and expect to present their plans to the city council in June. Once approved, the fire department says installation could take a few months and cost thousands of dollars. WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News reached out to the five candidates for Jackson mayor for their thoughts about this public safety concern. Mayor Jerry Gist referred inquiries to facilities director Perry Murphy. Dr. James Baxter said: “As the next mayor of Jackson, all departments of city government within the city of Jackson will be inspected and will meet all standards based on local, state and federal codes. It’s imperative we are in compliance for the safety of the general public and the employees of the city government. Mayor Gist has acted very irresponsibly not enforcing the fire codes or any other codes mandated by local, state and federal law, and he hinders the fire department and chief’s responsibility to carry out the inspections they are required. His neglect of carrying out his responsibility in this particular area as the Mayor of the City of Jackson for the supports one of the many reasons why it’s time for a change in leadership at city hall. Therefore, I appeal to all of the citizens of the city of Jackson go to the polls during the early voting period beginning April 15-30 and vote James Baxter the next mayor of the city of Jackson and on Election Day May 5 go to the polls and make it a landslide victory.” Lowe Finney said: “Mayor Jerry Gist has either fallen asleep on the job or ignored the problems and is putting the lives of thousands of Jackson residents in danger. The Carl Perkins Civic Center is home to numerous public events for the entertainment of families and children from Jackson and across West Tennessee. Providing them a safe, well-maintained environment should be the top priority of any administration. This kind of mismanagement cannot continue. After three years and multiple reports, the public cannot tolerate unaddressed issues any longer; these problems can no longer be hidden or swept under the rug.” Charlie Moten said: “Very glad our department is on top of the problem down there. They have my support wholeheartedly. I have faith in the city’s authorities. I am very certain that they have been aware of the violations. They executed according to their expertise. I am definitely convinced the situation was handled properly.” Multiple attempts Tuesday to get in touch with Tim York were unsuccessful. Mark April 23 on your calendar as WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News and Jackson State Community College have invited all five candidates to take part in “Jackson Decides,” the only debate leading up to the May 5 mayoral election. If you have a question you would like asked, just email them to jacksondecides@wbbjtv.com.
