Jackson Free Press

In his first year looking into possible arsons at the Jackson Fire Department, Captain Charles Felton helped investigate more than 200 fires.

Felton has been a member of the fire department since 1999, and is now a captain at the Arson and Internal Affairs Division.

Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. recently recognized Felton with a Jackson's Best Award for his "perseverance, initiative and intellectual creativity" on the job, according to a statement from the city. The award goes to city employees who have contributed extra effort to their jobs. Along with the award, Felton received a commemorative watch and recognition at a City Council meeting.

Felton, along with five others in his division, is a state-certified fire investigator through the State Fire Academy in Pearl. He is also a sworn police officer.

In addition to investigating fires that may have been set by arsonists, Felton's department conducts background checks on potential employees and sends representatives to testify in court cases.