On the night of December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025, while intervening to rescue people in the town of Saint-André d'Ollerargue, three firefighters from the main emergency center of Bagnols-sur-Cèze were victims of insults and death threats from the person they came to rescue. The latter also brandished an opinel, threatening the rescuers in a particularly worrying way.
Faced with this violence, the “OMV” procedure (Outrages, Threats, Violence) was immediately activated, allowing rapid assistance to the firefighters concerned. The Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) of Gard, as well as the officers attacked, filed a complaint, and the perpetrator was summoned to the Nîmes criminal court for an immediate appearance.
During his appearance in court, the individual was found guilty of insults, threats and violence, not only towards the firefighters, but also towards friends present at the evening and the gendarmes who intervened on site. . In addition, the attacker was a recidivist, having already been convicted of similar acts.
The court imposed a sentence of 3 years in prison, with continued detention. The firefighters' civil action claims were declared admissible, allowing them to obtain damages. This decision is subject to appeal within 10 days.
The President and Director of the SDIS du Gard expressed their full support for the attacked firefighters, strongly condemning this unacceptable act. They recalled that in all cases of contempt, threats or violence, complaints are systematically filed and the “OMV” procedure is immediately put in place.
The SDIS du Gard and its board of directors strongly deplore and condemn all attacks against firefighters, professionals who intervene to protect and rescue citizens.
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