Fire marshal Bobby Malone passes away

A somber tone resonated throughout the city of Russellville this week with the death of longtime firefighter and current fire marshal Bobby Malone.

Due to health concerns, Malone, 55, was planning to retire from the city next month after 31 years with the fire department. But a sudden illness late Tuesday sent him to Russellville Hospital where he eventually passed away Wednesday afternoon.

“This is a big, big loss for the city of Russellville and for anybody that knew Bobby,” Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell said.

“We worked together for a long time and he was very instrumental in helping get this department where it is. He was a great guy and a great firefighter.”

Malone had served as fire marshal and assistant chief since 2003. He became a lieutenant in the department in 1990.

Malone also accomplished the rare feat of being named firefighter of the year twice, almost 20 years apart. He received that honor in 1984 and 2003.

He was also a licensed paramedic who worked for Northstar EMS for many years. He received numerous certifications through the Alabama Fire College as well and was a member of the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs, Alabama Association of Fire Marshals and the National Fire Protection Association.

“This was a shock,” Russellville City Councilman David Grissom said.

“I saw him last week and he showed me a picture of his new grandbaby and we talked about him retiring. We were already going to miss him at the fire department, but now our community will miss him.”

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery.