A $45,000 reward is now being offered following the death of a firefighter just five days after he was shot along with a colleague at a fire station in Birmingham, Alabama, according to authorities.
Jordan Melton was shot on July 12 while conducting routine morning checks with firefighter Jamal Jones at Station 9 in Norwood, a Birmingham neighborhood. Melton was in critical condition while Jones was in serious condition following the shooting.
Melton, 29, succumbed to his injuries on Monday. He graduated from the recruiting academy just a month ago.
in a statementMayor Randall Woodfin described Melton as young, vibrant, and «full of life.»
“I ask that you join me in hugging the Jordan family today,” Woodfin said. «They have lost a son, a brother, a friend and a colleague.»
A suspect is not yet in custody in connection with the shooting.
“Know that we are exhausting all resources to find answers and justice for Jordan’s loved ones,” Woodfin said. «Jordan paid the ultimate price for his service to our city, we will not let that sacrifice go in vain.»
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Department honored its fallen firefighter after his death.
«We will never forget the impact he left on our department and the city of Birmingham,» the department wrote on Facebook. «You are forever in our hearts.»
Officials have not provided an update on Jones’ condition.
Investigators believe a man or a group of men entered the fire station building on the morning of July 12 through an open door and fired at firefighters, Police Chief Scott Thurmond said last week.
The shooting was targeted, but investigators have not yet determined a motive, according to Thurmond.
A $45,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting. according to Metro Alabama Crime Stoppers.
The investigation is ongoing.