Birmingham, Alabama – One year ago today, tragedy struck at Fire Station 9 in Birmingham as a gunman entered the station and opened fire in the bay, critically wounding two firefighters at the start of their shift.
Firefighter Jordan Melton, 29, tragically succumbed to his injuries five days later at UAB Hospital, while Jamal Jones, who has since been promoted to the rank of sergeant, continues to undergo treatment and has not yet been able to return to work.
Despite a $46,000 reward, no arrests have been made in connection with the deadly shooting, which police officials have described as one of the most horrific crimes in the city’s recent history.
Birmingham police spokesman Officer Truman Fitzgerald expressed the department’s commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions, emphasizing the importance of bringing them to justice.
Melton and Jones were shot just before 8:30 a.m. in the Norwood station’s bay area, in what police believe was a targeted attack unrelated to their roles as firefighters.
Station 9 remained closed until December following the shooting, as the community mourned the loss of a brave firefighter and stood in solidarity with the injured sergeant still on the road to recovery.
Mayor Randall Woodfin paid tribute to Jordan Melton, highlighting his bravery and dedication to serving the community, acknowledging the pain and grief that still lingers a year after his untimely passing.