4 Honored with Life Saving Certificates from Alexander Fire and Rescue

The fire chief of the Northeast Fire Department District and three firefighters with Alexander Fire and Rescue were presented with certificates and medals in recognition of actions the took to save a heart attack victim. The presentation occurred at the May 18 city council meeting.

Prior to presenting the awards, Alexander Fire and Rescue Chief Ryan McCormick explained what transpired on the evening of February 21, 2026. According to Chief McCormick, C-shift responded to a call from the Northeast Fire Department on a cardiac arrest incident. Northeast Fire Department Fire Chief Edward Rinehart was already administering CPR. Alexander’s Captain Joe Rounsaville, Engineer Conner Roberts and Firefighter Tim Chilcote began to assist.

“By the time Pafford (Ambulance) arrived, the gentleman had a pulse,” Chief McCormick said. Pafford got him to the hospital. He was revived and talking to us. [I]n my 30 years of the fire service, it's been a handful or two, three times before I (witnessed) somebody going into cardiac arrest and walking out of ... the hospital.”

Chief McCormick presented Life Saving certificates and medals to Northeast Fire Department Fire Chief Edward Rinehart, Captain Joe Rounsaville, Engineer Conner Roberts and Firefighter Tim Chilcote.

Northeast Fire Dept Chief 

Edward Rinehart

Capt. Joe Rounsaville

Firefighter Tim Chilcote

Engineer Conner Roberts

 

Human remains identified

After only two weeks, human remains found in a wooded area of Alexander has a name. The remains have been identified as belonging to Samuel Camron of Judsonia, Arkansas.

 Samuel Camron

On May 6, 2026 the Alexander Police Department was notified, by an unnamed individual, that human remains had been found in the woods west of the industrial area along Hwy. 111. Since then DNA analysis has provided a name, but as of Monday evening (May 18) police had been unable to locate anyone who can identify the body.

During the May 18 city council meeting Police Chief Preator began his monthly report with an update on the victim. Describing the condition of the remains when they were found he said, “They have been there for a very long time.”

Chief Preator said there was an ongoing search for anyone who can identify the individual. He said they will ask the public for help if no one can be found.

“But as soon as we either figure out (who can identify the body), we can find somebody to make a death notification so we can make it public, we will,” Preator said. “But if not, then we may be reaching out for the public’s help to see if they knew this person.”

On Tuesday morning the Alexander Police Department did issue a press release providing the individual’s name and photo. The press release said in part, “If you know Mr. Camron or have any information regarding Mr. Camron, please contact the Alexander Police Department at (501) 274-4400 or Contact the Saline County Coroner at (501) 303-5658.

Permit amendment second reading, Fire Department awards, Arkansas Factor Boxing Club

Alexander council members will review definitions of various types of fencing material to possibly be added to a proposed amendment to the current permit ordinance. The amendment adds language which includes a permit and regulations for new fences, a road cut permit and regulations covering the rental and placement of permit boxes.

The ordinance amending the permit ordinance received a first public reading at the April council meeting. At the minimum, it is expected to receive a second reading at the Monday, May 18 meeting.

The cause of the delay in passage is concern over the description of the types of fences to be allowed. The section describing allowed fencing materials states, “[W]ooden fencing materials and chain link.”

Council Member Joy Gray said it sounds as if people will be limited to wood or chain link. In the list of proposed fencing materials include wood, chain link, aluminum, steel, vinyl (PVC), and stone/masonry.

The only items listed under New Business are Fire Department Life Saving Awards and Arkansas Factor Boxing Club presentation. The owners of the Arkansas Factor Boxing Club are asking permission to use the metal building, formerly used by the American Legion Post 28, located at the former Human Development Center.

The council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is welcomed.