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Man accused of impersonating Okla. firefighter

James Smiley, 23, was recently hired as a volunteer firefighter but was let go due to his criminal history

CHOCTAW COUNTY, Okla. — A man accused of impersonating a firefighter was arrested Monday.

KXII reported that James Smiley, 23, allegedly told a police officer who stopped him for speeding last week that he was a volunteer firefighter responding to a call.

“If he hears a call come over the radio, he just shows up,” Undersheriff Larry Hendrix said.

Police Chief Jason Day said Smiley showed up to a wreck on a highway posing as a first responder. Chief Day said he has three charges of impersonating a public official and two charges of impersonating a peace officer in Georgia.

Smiley was recently hired as a volunteer firefighter, but was let go three days later after fire officials found out about his criminal history.