Arrest of firefighter on gun charges shocks officials
The bombshell news that a former Mount Vernon firefighter was running guns has sent shockwaves across the highest levels of the city's government. Former Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis said he was
News 12 Staff
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Jan 14, 2016, 2:48 AM
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Updated 3,023 days ago
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The bombshell news that a former Mount Vernon firefighter was running guns has sent shockwaves across the highest levels of the city's government.
Former Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis said he was shocked to learn of the arrest and subsequent guilty plea of Henry George Thomas.
"I know Henry George personally, I helped him on his career. I'm saddened by it," he said.
The 45-year-old former firefighter, and brother of newly appointed Mayor Richard Thomas, is facing more than 40 years in federal prison for gun trafficking.
Officials tracked his movements in the city -- from 2010 to 2015 -- all under Davis' tenure.
When asked by News 12 whether his arrest will make any difference, Davis said that unfortunately there will always be someone to take his place.
Despite the arrest, state records show that gun-related violence is down in the city of Mount Vernon over the past three years.
In 2012, there were 155 gun-related crimes. That number dropped to 130 in 2013 and 94 in 2014.
