The Northeast Arkansas community is mourning the loss of Mark Gibson, a former West Memphis firefighter and paramedic who dedicated over 28 years of his life to serving others. According to Local Memphis, Gibson passed away in a tragic accident on August 9 when the ambulance he was in was struck head-on by another car in Lake City, Ark. In a commitment that lasted for 35 years, it was with the Emerson Ambulance Service that Gibson had also served.
The driver of the ambulance, identified as Gibson's wife, Cheri, was also injured in the collision and is currently hospitalized. The couple was in the process of transporting a patient when they were hit. The Jonesboro Fire Department recognized his service and the deep loss felt by the community. In a statement obtained by Local Memphis, the Jonesboro Fire Department expressed, "Mark’s contribution to the fire service and emergency medicine in this area will be remembered for years to come."
Mark Gibson's dedication inspired many, like Captain Steve Lancaster of the Manila Police Department who, since the '80s, counted Gibson as a mentor. His death leaves a significant void highlighted by Eric White, the Public Relations person for Emerson Ambulance Service, who told Action News 5, "This community has lost one of the most caring and compassionate medics that I’ve ever seen or been around, it’s going to be hard."
Visitation for Mark Gibson will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 14, followed by funeral services the next morning at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro.
