CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Four members of Charlotte Fire Engine 15 were honored for their efforts during the deadly shooting that killed four law enforcement officers April 29, 2024.
The east Charlotte station’s team — Capt. Nathan Jones, Engineer Justin Barringer, Firefighter William Costello, and Firefighter Jonathan Moore — recently received the Hometown Hero Award, presented by Modern Woodmen of America. The honor, awarded annually by the financial services organization, is given to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of service and bravery.
The Hometown Hero Award is presented at the discretion of local Modern Woodmen chapters, recognizing first responders, educators, and community leaders who go above and beyond.
For the crew of Engine 15, the idea of being called heroes is something they have yet to embrace. “No, no. Nobody calls us heroes. We make sure to squash that,” Captain Nathan Jones said, reflecting on the award. “We just did what we would hope anyone else would do. If this had happened anywhere else in the city, I would hope those crews would have done the same thing.”
That day, Engine 15 responded to what initially came through as a MEDIC Routine for an unknown medical emergency. Minutes later, the update came: two officers down. Without hesitation, they mobilized, arriving at the scene and assessing the rapidly evolving situation. As gunfire continued, they donned ballistic vests and, with CMPD providing force protection, moved toward the fallen officers.
Under a hail of gunfire, the crew assisted in extracting CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer and loading him into a police vehicle to be transported to an ambulance staging area. They then moved back into the hot zone to assist in extracting Officer William “Alden” Elliott, providing life-saving medical care en route to the hospital.
“We were just doing our job,” Costello said. “We didn’t have time to think about anything else. The only thing on our minds was getting those officers out.”
When asked what advice he would give to a new firefighter who might one day find themselves in an unpredictable situation, Jones was direct. “Stay in our pocket,” he said, referencing a fire service saying about staying close to senior firefighters and learning from their actions. “That’s how you get through situations like this. You watch, you listen, and you trust your team. That’s what we did.”
For Firefighter Moore, one of the newer members of Engine 15, the lessons of that day were life changing. “I had only been with this crew for a few months when this happened,” he said. “I learned more in those eight minutes than I had in my entire career.”
Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson praised the crew for their composure and quick thinking under extreme pressure.
“The members of Engine 15 displayed the highest level of professionalism and courage that day,” Johnson said. “They faced a situation most firefighters will never encounter, and they acted decisively to protect lives. Their actions are a testament to the unwavering dedication of Charlotte Fire.”
Engineer Barringer reflected on the overwhelming intensity of the moment and the trust he had in his crew.
“We didn’t need to say much to each other — it was all about action,” he said. “When you work alongside people you trust with your life, you don’t think twice. You just do what has to be done.”
