Authorities in Alabama have offered a $45,000 reward for information that could assist with investigations into a fatal shooting incident at a fire station in Birmingham. According to NBC News, Jordan Melton and his colleague firefighter Jamal Jones were shot as they were executing standard checks on the morning of July 12.
Melton, who graduated from the recruit academy just last month, died of his injuries on July 17 while Jones’ condition was listed as critical at the time of this report. “Jordan was a vibrant young brother who was full of life,” Mayor Randall Woodfin said in a statement.
“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.”
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“I ask that you join me in wrapping our arms around Jordan’s family today,” Woodfin added. “They’ve lost a son, a brother, a friend and colleague.”
Authorities are yet to make arrests in connection with the incident. Police Chief Scott Thurmond, however, said that investigators believe either a gunman or a group of suspects made their way into Station 9 in Norwood and opened fire on the victims. Thurmond also said investigators are yet to establish the motive behind the shooting, though it was targeted, per NBC News.
“Know that we’re exhausting every resource to find answers and justice for Jordan’s loved ones,” Woodfin continued. “Jordan paid the ultimate price for his service to our city, we will not let that sacrifice be in vain.”
The Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service Department in a post on Facebook also paid tribute to Melton. “We will never forget the impact that you left on our department and the City of Birmingham,” the department shared. “You are forever in our hearts.”
