North Carolina Rescue Chief Facing Drug Charges

The chief of a volunteer Brunswick County rescue squad was charged Wednesday with possessing and selling drugs and giving false information to a law enforcement officer in Wilmington.

June Douglas Kirk, 59, who serves as chief of Town Creek Volunteer Rescue Squad, was being held in the New Hanover County jail under $ 20,000 secured bail. The squad responds to about 1,500 emergency medical services calls each year in the Winnabow area.

Kirk, of 3601 Merestone Drive, Wilmington, turned himself in to police officers at the Wilmington police station shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, after he had been served warrants, Detention Officer Chad Hollar said.

Kirk was charged with six counts of drug offenses, including possession with intent to sell and deliver crack cocaine and giving false information to a law enforcement officer, Hollar said.

Wilmington narcotic agents said they got information regarding Kirk last week and began an investigation, but they declined to share details, citing an ongoing investigation.

The eight-member Town Creek Rescue Squad held an emergency meeting about Kirk's arrest Wednesday night.

James Kelly, assistant chief of the squad, said the news about Kirk, who has served on the squad for about 15 years, came as a shock.

"We feel that he's innocent till proven guilty," Kelly said. "In the meantime, we're going to ask him to step aside as chief until this matter is resolved."

Kelly, who will act as chief, said the squad would continue to serve its community to the best of its ability.

Kelly described Kirk as hardworking and supportive of the squad's members.

Brian Watts, division head for the Brunswick County Emergency Medical Services, said it was unfortunate to hear about Kirk's arrest.

"He's not an employee of the county; he's a volunteer," said Watts of Kirk. "But this tends to make the public distrust all of us, both paid and volunteers, who are striving to do a respectable job and serve the community."

Majsan Bostrom 343-2075

majsan.bostromstarnewsonline.com

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