The fire chief reacts to the charges against the accused shooter in the Jordan Melton case

Birmingham, wing. (WBRC) – July 12, 2023 is a day engraved in the memory of Chief Cory Moon and the first to respond in the Birmingham Fire Department.

It was the day his brother, firefighter Jordan Melton, was shot a tragically with his colleague Jamal Jones.

Now, after almost two years of waiting, the man accused of crime will face justice.

For Chief Moon, the news brings a small feeling of relief, even though it will not bring melton back.

“Wow, I can finally talk to their parents and give them good news, who obtained the guy who did this,” said Moon, reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment.

Since that tragic day, Chief Moon has taken the burden of loss, feeling a deep personal connection with the case.

“Although I didn’t, I still dealt with that guilt,” he admitted. “As, they trusted me with your children, and this is what happened. Then, to finally tell them that they obtained the guy who did it, that was a really powerful moment for me. “

For 594 days, Moon says that he has not spent a moment without thinking of Melton and Jones.

“It’s more than working for me, it’s personal. We are a family, so when something happens to one of us, we all feel it. This is something that keeps me awake at night, “said Moon.

Melton had only been with the Birmingham Fire Department for a few months when he and Jones were ambushed while preparing for their turn. Melton succumbed to his wounds five days later, leaving behind devastated relatives, friends and colleagues. Jones survived, but his way to recovery has been long and challenging.

“Jamal has had a significant change in his life. He has not yet worked, but he is working every day, through therapy to see which are the next steps, ”Moon shared. “Jamal is a strong young man: obviously continues to heal, both mentally and physically, but he is fighting every day and improves every day.”

Moon adds that the trial will never erase the pain of the loss of melton, but for his loved ones and the Birmingham Fire Department, knowing that the defendant will face justice brings some measure of peace.

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