Donald Jones
Jacksonville Fire Department - March 20, 2012
Captain Jones and his engine company were dispatched to a gas leak that resulted from a vehicle that struck a gas meter. The apparatus was parked to shield the scene from passing traffic and the emergency lights of the apparatus and a law enforcement vehicle on-scene were in operation. Captain Jones and his crew were wearing high visibility safety vests. As they stood near the scene, Captain Jones, a member of his crew, and a law enforcement officer were struck by a passenger van. The van that struck the three responders made no effort to brake and may have sped up prior to the impact. The driver of the van faced second-degree murder charges and other charges related to the incident. Captain Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was listed as multiple traumatic injuries and was labeled a homicide.
Captain Jones started his 31-year career with the Jacksonville Fire Department on December 24‚ 1980‚ and rose to the rank of captain‚ serving in that capacity at Station 4 for 15 years. Dedicated and passionate about his work‚ he helped to train others and served as a mentor and brother to his fellow firefighters. He was a consummate professional and a dedicated public servant‚ proud of the vital role he played in protecting others and providing for the safety of citizens. A fellow firefighter remembered a time when Donnie helped him out of a fire‚ reminding him that saving himself was more important than saving the building. Captain Jones is the first Jacksonville firefighter killed in the line of duty.
Donnie was a caring family man who loved coaching softball‚ hunting‚ and fishing. He was focused and passionate about the things that interested him. Donnie was the beloved son of Melvin Leroy Jones and Wanna Faye David Jones; the loving husband of Betty Jones; the proud father of Tracy Jones‚ Beverly Smiley (Thomas)‚ Donna Henderson‚ Teresa Myers‚ and Vernon Myers; the devoted brother of John Jones‚ Michael Ray Jones‚ and Bruce Jones; the caring grandfather of nine grandchildren; and great-grandfather of one child. He is also survived by many friends and by his brotherhood of fellow firefighters.
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