Carol Robinson
al.com
(TNS)
Two Birmingham firefighters were shot Wednesday morning at a fire station in the city’s Norwood community.
Birmingham Fire Chief Cory Moon said both were taken to a hospital.
The fire department on Wednesday evening identified the firefighters as Jamel Jones and Jordan Melton.
Melton, who just recently became a firefighter remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery Wednesday. Jones is in serious condition.
Both are at UAB Hospital.
“Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service sends our thoughts and prayers to these injured firefighters, their families and the entire BFRS family,’' fire officials said in a statement.
Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama on Wednesday evening announced a $10,000 reward for information that leads police to the suspect or suspects in the shooting.
Police have identified the suspect vehicle, which was captured on surveillance footage in the area, and have been actively searching for that car all day. They have not released a possible description for publication except to say that it was a silver car.
The shooting happened just before 8:30 a.m. at Station 9.
Birmingham police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service were called to the station, 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 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 early indication is that this was a targeted attack, Thurmond said.
“We don’t know why it would be a targeted attack, that’s one of the things we’re trying to determine,’’ Thurmond said. “It’s extremely unusual for someone to come target one of our fire stations and so we’re trying to see why would someone want to target one of these fire stations in Birmingham.”
“I find it extremely troubling that they would be targeted,’’ the chief said. “I hate to say it but unfortunately, I think police would be the bigger targets. Our firefighters are there to protect and aid and rescue our citizens and to seem them critically injured is troubling, disheartening.”
There is a large scene outside the station, including all the of the fire department’s top commanders, as well as Birmingham detectives and SWAT officers.
Thurmond said that the two male firefighters, both of whom were taken to UAB Hospital, are in serious condition. At least one was shot multiple times and undergoing surgery.
The chief said at least one other firefighter was inside the station when the shooting happened. That firefighter was not injured.
Asked if it could be personal in nature versus a random attack on the profession itself, Thurmond said, “That’s one of the issues we’re looking at when we say, ‘Is there a connection? What is that connection if there is one?’ We just don’t know at this point in time.”
“Is it professional? Is it personal? Is it none of the above?’’ Thurmond said. “We just don’t know.”
Thurmond said he doesn’t think the general community is in danger.
“I think there could be some individuals that could have some information on this,’’ he said, “so we would encourage them to call us.”
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin released this statement about the shooting:
“Our hearts are extremely heavy in the wake of the shooting of two Birmingham firefighters this morning.
These are two dedicated servants of our community. Now, we must return the favor of service by providing them and their families the comfort, care and support they need. I also ask that you join me in lifting up the entire Birmingham Fire and Rescue team as they rally around their comrades during this very difficult time.
We ask for your patience as Birmingham Police continue their investigation. Know that we are using every resource at hand to find answers and justice for those harmed.”
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
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