From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — One of two firefighters that was assaulted in the Norwood area Station 9 shooting died on Monday, July 17.
John Melton (BFRS)
John Melton, 29, of Helena, has died after a targeted assault of Norwood’s Station 9 seriously injured him and a fellow firefighter. He was pronounced dead at UAB at 6:06 p.m. on Monday.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin released an official statement on Melton’s passing:
“My heart is hurting today.
“It devastates me to share that we’ve lost our own firefighter Jordan Melton. But before I talk about Jordan the public servant, I want to celebrate Jordan the man.
“Jordan was a vibrant young brother who was full of life. He loved to talk sports as much as he loved good barbecue. He had a brilliant mind for business, but he was always down to lighten the mood with a joke or two. He was also a wonderful son to his mother, who has been his rock in these difficult past few days.
“Though Jordan had served at Birmingham Fire and Rescue for more than a year, he had just graduated from the recruit academy one month ago.
“When I look at his photo, you can see the potential and pride in his eyes. So much of that potential will now go unrealized.
“Jordan had developed close ties with his fellow firefighters, which makes this loss all the more tragic. Birmingham Fire is so much more than a collection of employees, they are a family in every sense of the word. And right now, that family is in a lot of pain.
“I ask that you join me in wrapping our arms around Jordan’s family today. They’ve lost a son, a brother, a friend and colleague. Know that we’re exhausting every resource to find answers and justice for Jordan’s loved ones.
“Jordan paid the ultimate price for his service to our city, we will not let that sacrifice be in vain. We are his family, and his memory will be honored.”
