Wreath ceremony honors slain Birmingham firefighter who had ‘million

Family and community members joined together Thursday afternoon to honor slain Birmingham firefighter Jordan Melton.

“Our community is mourning,’’ said the Rev. Lawrence Jackson of Greater Grace Baptist Church in Center Point. “It hurts all of us.”

The Carlos Chaverst Foundation held a wreath laying ceremony outside Birmingham Fire Station 9 to pay tribute to the 29-year-old Melton who died Monday, five days after he and Firefighter Jamal Jones were shot shortly after they went on duty. Jones remain hospitalized with serious injures.

“Firefighter Jordan Melton, a true exemplar of courage and commitment, dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Birmingham,’’ Chaverst said. “His unwavering resolve and tireless efforts in the face of danger touched the lives of countless individuals and made a significant impact on the community he served.”

Jamel Martin, Melton’s first cousin, said the young firefighter – just about a month out of the academy – always smiled and loved to cook.

“I watched him grow up. I was like his big brother,’’ Martin said. “He was a pretty good kid and came up to be a great adult as well.”

“He really just started on this journey to being a first responder,’’ he said. “I was supporting him 100 percent. I was just proud of him.”

Birmingham police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service were called about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, to Station 9 at 1228 27th St. North, where the firefighters had reportedly been shot in the chest and legs.

At least one caller reported hearing shots and ran to take cover in the bathroom.

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond last week said the shooter entered the fire station through the open bay door, which typically remains open to be accessible to residents who need their blood pressure checked or other help or information.

The shooting happened shortly after they started their shift. The chief said at least one other firefighter was inside the station when the shooting happened. That firefighter was not injured.

The early indication is that this was a targeted attack, Thurmond said.

“When this happened, it hurt me. It broke my heart,’’ Martin said. “I’m going to miss that million-dollar smile.”

Melton’s sister, Jessica Stephens, was among those in attendance at Thursday’s ceremony.

He said the family is supporting each other by talking to each other, lifting each other up with hugs and prayers, we call each other. We just lift each other up.

The family is determined to get justice.

“The police, they’re diligently working it,’’ he said. “They’re going to get it. They’re going to take care of it.”

Melton’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.

No arrests have been made. As of Thursday afternoon, there was $41,000 in reward money for information leading investigators to the suspect. That money has come from Gov. Kay Ivey, Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and former U.S. Attorney Jay Town.

Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police, 205-254-1764, Crime Stoppers, 205-254-7777, the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED-2 or ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS. Tips may also be submitted via the USMS Tips App.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.