Lieutenant Jonathan Eric French was born November 1, 1988, in Leitchfield, Kentucky. He was the second of five children born to Jackie and Lisa French. He had a loving bond with three of his four siblings, Joshua, Heather, and Rebekah, each calling him their best friend, though they had to grow a little first. His other sister, Katie, was stillborn, and therefore had no chance to know her big brother, Jonathan.

Jonathan was a Christian and was saved by the grace of God. God was a big part of Jonathan’s life from the time he was a child.

Jonathan attended Central Hardin High School in Cecilia, Kentucky. He obtained his firefighter certification through the Kentucky Fire Commission, since firefighting was a passion for him.
Jonathan was the lieutenant for Glendale Fire Department at the time of his death, but firefighting had been a part of his life from birth. His grandfather and father were both volunteers at the time, so he grew up hanging around the station.

Jonathan was always the first to jump in during his own training, and once he received his certification he was always ready to help “the new guys” learn what to do. He was an advocate for “better training makes us all go home.” He trained any time there was an opportunity and would go to the station any time anyone asked for more time or help with anything from gear to trucks.

He was the engineer for the station tanker; 2560 was his truck and is to this day.

Jonathan was always at any function or training the department had, as well as public safety and public education events. He lived a simple life and didn’t require much as long as you gave it your all when it came to the fire service. Firefighting was a passion for Jonathan. He lived it, breathed it, and his life was taken doing it.

Jonathan touched the lives of many in the fire service and throughout his community with his bubbly personality and his dedication to his job. He will be sorely missed by all his family, the fire department family, his friends, and his community. FOREVER 2503.