Longtime firefighter arrested, Fire Rescue investigating

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - An internal investigation is underway involving the arrest of a 15-year veteran of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department before a Mardi Gras Parade.

Terrance Bridges, 46, is charged with failure to obey a police officer, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Bridges was arrested just before the start of the Conde Explorers’ parade on Saturday, January 26.

Steve Huffman with Mobile Fire-Rescue Department said on Monday, Bridges, who is a training officer, could face possible disciplinary action based on the outcome of the investigation.

Mobile Police Corporal Christopher Levy said Bridges was in the street talking to a driver for one of the parade floats when he was asked to clear the street. According to the police report, Bridges became unruly, and began to use profanity.

Levy said another officer was called to assist, and Bridges, president of the Explorers Mardi Gras Society, continued to curse and refused to stay behind the barricade. 

According to Levy, the officers had no choice but to arrest Bridges.

Four-year-old Starla Chapman, who is battling a rare form of cancer, was supposed to ride in the parade along with another young cancer patient as Grand Marshals. 

However, the children were left crying behind the barricades. 

Bridges told FOX10 News on Sunday he was sorry the children were disappointed, and promised to “make it right” for the children and their families. Bridges lost his own daughter to cancer four years ago.

Bridges has a court date set for March 4.