Affidavits reveal details following arrest of local firefighters, chief

May 2, 2025

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

RAMER, Tenn. — An investigation conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and Selmer Fire Department resulted in the arrest of the Ramer volunteer fire chief and two firemen. All were arrested on various arson-related counts.

According to the TBI, 19-year-old Trevor Lee Williams, a current fireman and 19-year-old Gabriel Vandiver, a former firefighter are alleged to have set an abandoned trailer on fire on November 2, 2024, at 3570 Highway 57 West in Ramer.

SEE ALSO: TBI investigation leads to arrests of firefighters, chief in series of Ramer structure, grass fires

The location of this fire was adjacent to a home. Just four months later, another location was engulfed in flames.

According to court affidavits, on March 13, 2025, Ramer Fire Chief Jacob King, allegedly, had the employees of the Ramer Fire Department to set various fields on fire to increase their call volume in order to receive a grant. Both of these fires were set in the city limits of Ramer to ensure that the Ramer Fire Department would receive the call.

Williams was alleged to have also set another fire on March 13. The location of this fire is on 2095 Feddie Davis Road in Ramer. This scene is currently tapped off.

According to the TBI, Vandiver has since been charged with one count of arson and vandalism. He was booked into the McNairy County Jail and released on his own recognizance.