Alton Fire Chief Honored For Over 3 Decades Of Service

Alton City Council Meeting

ALTON – Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison Jr. was honored at this week’s City Council meeting for his 33 years of service and his positive impact on the Alton community.

Rouzell Porter, president of the Southern Illinois chapter of the 100 Black Men of America, gave a presentation commending Chief Jemison for reaching the significant milestone with the Alton Fire Department.

“Since you first put on the uniform, you have been a constant calming presence for our neighbors during their most difficult moments,” Porter said of Jemison. “Your impact on the City of Alton extends far beyond the walls of the fire station.”

Porter also highlighted Jemison’s leadership by example to Alton youth since his career began on March 3, 1993.

“Your career serves as a living example of our motto: ‘What they see is what they’ll be,’” Porter said. “By breaking barriers and leading with integrity, you have shown our youth that there is no limit to what they can achieve through discipline and education.”

Describing Jemison as a “guardian for the city,” Porter thanked Jemison for the sacrifices he’s made for over three decades and for the “steady hand” he provides to Alton.

“We look forward to your continued leadership and the ongoing impact of your work in the years to come,” Porter said.

A full recording of the April 8, 2026 Alton City Council meeting is available at the top of this story or on Riverbender.com/video.

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