Hometown Madison - May & June 2016

serving our community
Fire Inspector Sidney Malone
ridgeland Fire Department
Why did you decide to be a fireman?
I actually wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps by
becoming a police officer but changed directions by
looking into the fire service. I really liked what I saw.
The fire service has been a great fit for me. You don’t
make a lot of money but the rewards of helping your
community and the people you help are so much
greater. The fire service is a huge fraternity/brotherhood.
I love team sports and that’s what it is like—
being on a team with one goal and making a
difference in our community.
How long have you been with the
Ridgeland Fire Department?
I started my career in 1987 and I have to say it’s been
very rewarding.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my wife, Jo Ann Jefcoat
Malone, for 28 years. We have two children: my
daughter Morgan, 24, and my son Tanner, 21. My
daughter is married to a firefighter, Justin Moore,
from Madison and she is a nurse at Baptist Hospital
in Jackson. My son is a senior at Mississippi State
University and will graduate in December. My wife
is the superintendent for Mississippi School for the
Blind. So we stay pretty busy.
What is the toughest thing you have
experienced in your job?
The toughest thing I have experienced in my career
is responding to a fire or an accident where someone
has lost their life. That’s about as tough as it gets—
especially when kids are involved. It is something you
never get used to. It stays with you for the rest of
your life.
Share some things you enjoy doing in your
spare time.
I love to hunt and fish in my spare time. During summer
vacations, I love to go to the beach with my family.
What are three things on your bucket list?
I want to walk the strip in Vegas, I want to take my
wife to the Hawaiian Islands for a long vacation, and I
want to go to Canada for a white-tail deer hunt.
Who is someone you admire and why?
My wife because of all of the things she represents as
a person and for what she means to me. As a fireman,
we work crazy schedules. We work on 24-hours and
off 48-hours. So many times she would be at home
by herself raising two kids while I worked at the fire
station. I know that was really tough. She has worked
hard and accomplished many things despite the
conditions of my work schedule. She raised our kids
to be independent, loving, caring and honest people.
This is evident as they mature as young adults. I admire
her work ethic, determination, and her Christian
values as a woman. I am very thankful that she came
into my life. God is good!
Where do you see yourself ten years
from now?
Retired from the fire service, relaxing by my pool,
cooking on the grill for family and enjoying life.
If you could give one piece of advice to
a young person, what would it be?
To have a personal relationship with their Lord and
Savior. If they do not have one, it is our responsibility
to share with them about Him. Let them know they
have someone who loves them and cares for them.
What is a favorite childhood memory?
Going fishing with my grandparents for the weekend
at Lake St. John in Waterproof, Louisiana. They took
me with them from the time I was eight years old until
I was old enough to drive. These were some of the
best times of my childhood.
What is the biggest mistake you think
young people make today?
I believe most young people today lack commitment.
They want it all “now” instead of taking time to work
for what they want. Young people that are very goal
oriented often know what they want but won’t
commit to doing what it takes to achieve their goals.
What is your favorite thing about Ridgeland
or Madison County?
It is hard to choose one thing about Ridgeland or
Madison County. I would say my favorite thing is the
people that I work with. Ridgeland is a great family
community, having everything that anyone would
possibly need. From raising your family to retirement
years, it’s all here.
38 • May/June 2016