Malcolm Jenkins believed in community service. When Fern Creek Fire Department recruited firefighters in our rural area of the county, Malcolm volunteered. He was one of a group of farmers, most of whom were family members. They joked that their tractors were their response vehicles. As a volunteer for 19 years, he attained the rank of captain in charge for the local firehouse.

Malcolm loved being a firefighter. He earned an associate degree in fire science. When applying for the career position as the training officer for FCFD, he stated to his chief that he wasn’t sure if he was the best person for the job, as he believed himself to be more of a student than an instructor. This is where his legacy began. Malcolm never quit being a student. He attended many different fire schools, as well as classes at the National Fire Academy. He brought his knowledge back to Fern Creek to share with others. He never changed who he was, just what he was.

Malcolm had a very quick mind, whether to tell a joke or solve a problem. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t fix. There was Plan A, B and, most likely, also a Plan C for any situation. (Due to this ability, his wife taught their three daughters to marry a man who could fix anything that they could break.) He became a member of the Jefferson County Trench Team, as well as the Hazmat, and USAR Teams. He was a Level 2 instructor, incident safety officer, fire inspector, rope technician, and large animal rescue technician.

Malcolm was also responsible for the construction and development of the Kentucky Regional Fire Training Academy. The academy trains hundreds of firefighters annually. The administration building was dedicated in Malcolm’s honor for his commitment to training and his willingness to help others. In his 31 years of service to the the community, Malcolm touched the lives of everyone that wanted to be or was involved in firefighting. Thanks to Major Jenkins, our people and training facilities are second to none.

Somehow, Malcolm also managed to be a good son, loving husband, caring father to three daughters, and a doting grandfather. His devotion and love for his family was evident in all that he did. His wife always told their friends that Malcolm was her “tour guide in life.” He was the cornerstone of his family.

The Chief of FCFD stated that Malcolm was his “go to guy.” Malcolm was a teacher, family man, mentor, and a firefighter. Mostly, he was a good man.