A Tale of Two City’s Finest, Bravest: Fireman’s I-30 rescue paves way for policeman’s second chance at life -

**Volunteer fireman Justin Kirksey, right, accepts a certificate recognizing his bravery for a vehicle rescue on Interstate 30. He is pictured alongside Arkadelphia Fire Chief Andy Neel.** | *Joe May photo/The Southern Standard*

By JOE MAY | The Southern Standard

Instead of business as usual Tuesday evening, members of the Arkadelphia Board of Directors heard a heartwarming story.

Fire Chief Andy Neel told directors that on Feb. 19, Fireman Justin Kirksey was traveling between Gum Springs and Arkadelphia on Interstate 30 when he encountered a vehicle on fire at the 70 mile-marker. Without any equipment or protection, he managed to extract the victim from the wreckage; the man was later airlifted to UAMS in Little Rock.

Police Chief Jason “Shorty” Jackson then took up the story. Although the victim died from his injuries five days later, Kirksey’s actions gave the family five more days with their loved one, and during those final days made the decision to donate his organs.

Ironically, on the day of the accident, APD Cpl. Randy Lau was transported from Arkadelphia to UAMS due to complications from liver failure, a diagnosis he had received the previous July. The same day that the victim died and his organs were harvested, Lau received a new liver. While it is not known if the victim’s liver was the one Lau received, “I believe and you’re not going to convince me otherwise,” Jackson said.

Jackson said that there was yet another twist to the story.

**Cpl. Randy Lau addresses the Arkadelphia City Board of Directors. Also pictured are City Manager Gary Brinkley, left, and Police Chief Jason “Shorty” Jackson.** | *Joe May photo/The Southern Standard*

The Friday before the transplant, Lau’s city insurance denied his request for a transplant. In desperation, his wife called Jackson, who in turn contacted City Manager Gary Brinkley, who made a phone call to the insurance company. Within an hour, the insurance company made the nearly unheard-of call to reverse their decision.

As Brinkley reacted with surprise, Jackson and Lau presented him with a certificate of appreciation for his action, noting that he had gone “above and beyond the call of duty in service and support of staff.” It was signed by both Jackson and Lau.

“Wow,” Mayor Scott Byrd exclaimed. “What a great story. A great place to call home.”

In other business, the board:

• Gave Brinkley a 5% pay increase following an executive session for his annual evaluation.

• Approved a revolving loan from Citizens Bank.