Jake Joseph Benton was born July 18, 1921, one of four children born to the late William Dee and Mary Ida Benton. Jake and his wife of sixty-two years, the former Edith Foreman, have three daughters: Lynn Shaffer of Christenburg, Virginia; Susan Farr of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and Janie Nolen of Dothan, Alabama. In addition, they have seven grandchildren and one great grandson.
After graduating from Opp High School in 1939, Jake continued his studies at Maxwell Air Force Structural and Aircraft Firefighting School. He attended State Fire College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he later served for twelve years on the Board of Directors. From 1941-1945, he served with the Maxwell Air Force Fire Department. He returned to Opp in 1945 and began his long tenure as Chief of the Opp Fire Department, a title he held officially from
1945 until his retirement in 1988. Although he is retired, he continues to serve as an advisor to the Department.
In addition to his role as Fire Chief, Jake served the city in other capacities. He was a member of the Water Board from 1954-1960, directed Civil Defense from 1958-1959, served as Opp’s only City Coordinator from 1967-1968, was City Clerk from 1968-1976, and served as Safety Officer for MacArthur Technical College. He has also been the administrator for various benevolent funds, including the City of Opp Benevolent Fund, the Salvation Army Benevolent Fund, the Ministerial Benevolent Fund, as well as for private organizations. For twenty-five years, he has served as Chairman of First Baptist Church Benevolent Committee.
Among Chief Benton’s many contributions to the citizens of Opp are those he made to the Fire Department. He helped design the Opp Chamber of Commerce/Fire Station Complex, purchased new firefighting equipment, hired full-time firemen, was instrumental in lowering Opp’s fire insurance rates, and helped organize the first Opp Rescue Squad. In recognition of his contributions, Jake received the following honors and awards: Outstanding Firefighter of the Year, 1985; Heroes Award, Opp Rescue Squad Unit, 1982; and Mason of the Year, 1988.
As one always willing to serve, Jake has been very active in civic activities. He is a member of Opp Lodge #605, serving as secretary/treasurer; he is a member of Alabama Fire Fighter’s Association, serving as president; he organized the Covington County Fire Fighter’s Association, serving as president for three terms; he is a member of Alabama Fire Chief’s Association, serving as first Chaplin; he served twelve years on the Board of Directors for Alabama Fire College; he is a member of Special Children Organization for Opp; he is a member of the First Baptist Church of Opp, serving as Deacon since 1966.
Through the years–quietly, modestly, steadily– Jake Joseph Benton has made immeasurable contributions to the quality of life in Opp, Alabama. He has worn many hats other than his official one. He has never been too busy to listen to all people, regardless of race, creed, color, or economic status. From improving the Fire Department to helping organize the Rescue Squad to insuring that underprivileged children have Christmas to help people with food, clothing, doctors, medicine, housing, and utilities, Chief Benton has left his mark. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
