First responders and firefighters bring their fallen brother home

Jonesboro, Arkansas – On Sunday, first responders and firefighters from Region 8 went to Memphis in order to return their brother’s body to Jonesboro.

Mark Gibson, a 56-year-old paramedic, lost his life on Friday when his wife Cheri’s ambulance was struck head-on by an automobile.

When the collision happened, the couple—who worked for Emerson Ambulance Service—was en route to pick up a patient.

Gibson had almost thirty years of experience serving the people of Northeast Arkansas, having worked for the West Memphis Fire Department for twenty-eight of those years.

Eric White, an Emerson Ambulance Service PR representative and fellow EMT, said Gibson served as an inspiration.

According to White, “he devoted his life to serving others as well as his community.”

Gibson was a high school friend of Captain Steve Lancaster of the Manila Police Department, with whom he shared many life lessons.

Lancaster described him as “just a great guy, great medic, very professional, knew his business, and was very personable.” Lancaster added, “I’ve known him for years to get to work on the police department, and he was a mentor of mine since the ’80s.”

White also discussed Gibson’s and his wife’s relationship.

“Mark and Cheri were a great couple; they were not afraid to poke fun at each other.” They used to make jokes among themselves, according to White. However, they became serious when it was time. They consistently supported one another and were there for one another.

Gibson’s body was escorted to Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro by the WMFD amid a sea of red and blue lights as a sign of honor for his years of commitment and devotion.

Dozens of community members from numerous departments waited in line to express their love, respect, and support. Another healthcare worker, Kathy Proctor, says she wanted to honor Gibson by bringing her family.

Proctor stated, “I wanted to bring my children and my grandchildren and show them how we honor others who served. As a fellow healthcare member, I felt it was important for me to honor someone who gives so much to our community.”

It will be difficult, White said. “This community has lost one of the most caring and compassionate medics that I’ve ever seen or been around.”

Even though Mark Gibson will be missed, his influence and legacy will endure.
Gibson’s visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Jonesboro Emerson Funeral Home.

Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro will host funeral services on Thursday, August 15, starting at 10 a.m.