On April 15, 2016, John Ernest Ulmschneider was called to the scene of a health emergency. Darrell Lumpkin was prone to diabetic episodes, so his brother became concerned when he wasn’t able to contact Darrell. Responding to his 911 call, John and another firefighter knocked on Darrell’s door and heard no response, so they followed protocol and forced their way in. Apparently mistaking the rescuers for criminal intruders, Darrell shot them both.
John’s widow said that their daughter, who was about 2 years old at the time he was killed, has his smile. According to the fire chief, John’s killing forced the department to change the way they respond to such calls. Darrell was not charged in John’s death, but received a 4-year sentence for the illegal possession of several handguns.
