The U.S. Fire Administration has announced the official on-duty death of Captain Donald L. Jones, 56, of Jacksonville Fire Department on March 19, 2012.
Captain Jones responded with fire and police to a single-vehicle accident that involved a damaged gas main. While working to clear the scene of the accident, a second motor vehicle reportedly accelerated and veered off of the road striking two firefighters and a police officer. Captain Jones was killed upon impact. The police officer and second firefighter were both transported by air to the hospital and are reported to be in critical but stable condition.
The driver of the second vehicle has been charged with 2nd degree murder and two counts of criminal intent to commit 2nd degree murder given that, according to witnesses, this person allegedly did not try to stop.
Funeral Arrangements:
According to ArkansasMatters.com, Captain Jones’ funeral will be held Saturday at noon at McArthur Assembly of God Church. The church is located in Jacksonville on John Hardin Drive.
All firefighters attending the funeral are requested to arrive at the church at least an hour early to be briefed on protocols for the church and cemetery services.
Visitation for Jones is set for Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McArthur Assembly of God Church.
Meanwhile, there has been a memorial fund set up for the families of Captain Jones, as well as the other two emergency responders injured in Monday’s incident, Engineer Jason Bowmaster and Officer Daniel DiMatteo.
You can donate at any ARVEST branch. You can donate to either or all, it is up to you. At an ARVEST branch just say that you want to donate to the following:
- The City of Jacksonville Donald Jones Tragedy Fund
- The City of Jacksonville Jason Bowmaster Tragedy Fund
- The City of Jacksonville Daniel DiMatteo Tragedy Fund
For more information, visit http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=521992.
Tribute
Tribute is being paid to Captain Donald L. Jones at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/
To date, 21 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/ff_stats.shtm
