Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Shorty Jones, Paramedic with Duplin County EMS! 

Shorty was nominated by his wife Jennifer, who says, “My husband is the definition of selfless service and community dedication. He wears many hats, not for recognition, but because he believes in showing up for others — every single day. In addition to his community involvement, he is an amazing husband to me and father to our two sons.

As a volunteer firefighter, he answers the call, no matter the hour or circumstance, to protect our community. When others run away from danger, he runs toward it, often leaving behind his own family’s dinner table to help someone else’s. He has made our 15 year old son love fire as much as he does. Our son currently serves as a junior firefighter on the Seven Springs Volunteer Fire Department, alongside his dad.

Professionally, he serves as a paid paramedic with Duplin County EMS and has since 2007, providing life-saving care in the most critical moments. His calm presence, expert skill, and compassion have been a comfort to countless families during emergencies.

On top of that, he serves with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Department Special Response Team, where he puts his training and courage to work protecting public safety in high-risk situations.

But his heart for youth goes even deeper. He is the head baseball coach at Spring Creek High School, where he not only teaches the game but shapes young men into leaders, teammates, and future community members. He also coaches a travel baseball team, spending weekends mentoring and guiding kids through competitive play, teaching them the values of discipline, respect, and hard work.

He juggles all of these roles with humility, never seeking applause — only impact. Our community is stronger, safer, and more connected because of his service. He’s not just a hometown hero — he’s the kind of person every hometown hopes to have. Please help me recognize this amazing human I get to call mine.”

Thank you, Shorty, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.

Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?