City Firefighter/Paramedic Takes Own Life

Press Release
Fernandina Beach Police Department
Submitted by James T. Hurley, Chief

May 4, 2016 9:1 p.m.

Chett Linker
Chett Lyncker

The Fernandina Beach Police Department responded to the residence of a City Firefighter/Paramedic and found the six year veteran deceased inside his apartment.  Chett Lyncker, 34 years of age, was found inside the secured apartment and had died from a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Lyncker was being summoned for the purpose of continuing administrative procedures related to ongoing investigations and from witness accounts of possible domestic violence.  Lyncker’s girlfriend had recanted statements recently, but last night had a neighbor call police because she was afraid for her safety after Lyncker reportedly pushed her.  When police arrived at the scene she gave them an account of an incident which reportedly occurred in St. Augustine over the weekend.  Early this morning, Detectives in St. Augustine were actively working on an arrest warrant for Aggravated Domestic Violence when notified of Lyncker’s death.

A small amount of marijuana was found in clear view when officers responded to the residence last night.  Both Lyncker and his girlfriend denied possession of the marijuana and paraphernalia, but as both had constructive possession they were both charged and issued a Notice to Appear citation.  The girlfriend was treated at Baptist Nassau and then taken to a safe location.

A close neighbor acknowledged hearing a single gunshot at 1:10 AM this morning, but did not call police because she was unsure if the sound was actually a gunshot.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will continue their investigation, along with Fernandina Beach Police Department personnel.

3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Mac Morriss
Mac Morriss(@macmorrisshotmail-com)
7 years ago

Chett and I barely knew each other, but, he was always ready to help, and bring others to help, with the non-profit events I am involved with. And help at other community events as well. His death is a loss for our community. May he be remembered for that, the lives he touched In a positive way serving our community and not for his personal struggles.

Rick Rickersmeal
Rick Rickersmeal (@guest_47171)
7 years ago

The marijuana charge may have been the final straw for him. He probably knew he would definitely lose his job over that alone. You would think that the police would realize that they were potentially ruining someones life over a little pot. So sad. Respect to the families.

Dave Lott
Dave Lott(@dave-l)
7 years ago

What a tragedy. I didn’t know Chett other than through some dealings with Fire Rescue personnel but always had found him to be professional in his conduct towards myself and his fellow Fire Rescue personnel. How sad that events outside the workplace spiraled out of control to this point where he felt the only solution was to take his own life. Let this be a grim reminder to all that our community has plenty of resources to aid people that are suffering, whether physically or mentally.