Firefighters Harper, Martin awarded for lifesaving assistance
Jonathan Martin with Madison Fire and Rescue Department received the Unit Citation Award. Photo courtesy of Madison Fire and Rescue Department
MADISON – Jacob ‘Jake’ Harper and Jonathan Martin have been recognized for their bravery in service with Madison Fire and Rescue Department.
Firefighter Harper and Driver Martin, along with Jacob Vinson with Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc. or HEMSI, received the Unit Citation Award for their assistance in saving a person’s life.
“The Unit Citation is a Madison Fire award,” Fire Chief Brandy Williams said. “Basically, the Unit Citation is for a firefighter that provided support during the call but was not involved in a direct lifesaving procedure (according to department policy).”
“For example, this person could have provided equipment from the truck or bag that was needed, could have worked with the family to obtain more information or comfort them, and (other situations),” Williams said.
The Unit Citation may be awarded to anyone who, acting as part of a crew or team, is successful in saving a life during fire, rescue, medical or other emergency mitigation operations, Williams said.
Jonathan Martin started to work with Madison Fire and Rescue Department in February 2003. Currently, he works as a Driver at Fire Station 2 on ‘B’ shift.
“I live in Cullman,” Martin said. “I graduated from Huffman High School in Birmingham and then graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham,” Martin said.
He is married to Brittany Martin, who works as a school teacher. Jonathan and Brittany have two daughters, Clare and Olivia. Clare is a junior, and Olivia is in the sophomore class.
Jacob Harper was hired by Madison Fire and Rescue Department in May 2025. “The department put me through EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) training and the fire academy,” Harper said. “Currently, I am in the advanced EMT class to learn that (material).”
Harper works for Station 2 on ‘B’ shift. “I am assigned to Captain Brenton Rhodes’ crew,” he said.
“I’m from Huntsville, and I graduated from Huntsville High School in 2024,” Harper said.
“Everyone always has the same answer about why they want to be a firefighter: It’s to save people. That’s always the main goal, but I wanted to be a firefighter because I wanted to serve a respected purpose and give others hope when they have lost everything,” Harper said.
