Born in Corydon, Indiana, on November 3, 1997, Jacob Tyler McClanahan was the son of Marty and Deborah McClanahan. Jacob was a son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, and friend and was loved by us all. From an early age, Jacob loved the outdoors. Jacob loved being with his dad and always wanted to learn from him. As he grew older, Jacob loved conservation, hunting, fishing, bow fishing, and boating with his friends on the Ohio River.

Jacob started his volunteer career at O’Bannon State Park in Harrison County when he was 13. At the age of 16, Jacob joined the Harrison Township Fire Department; he continued from there to volunteer at several other departments but felt at home with Ramsey Volunteer Fire and Harrison Township as his two primary volunteer departments. Jacob was certified in several areas of training and eventually went to EMT training. Jacob loved to help people no matter what the circumstance was.

Jacob ran cross country and track in school, earning several ribbons and medals, and went to Prosser Vocational School his junior and senior years, studying criminal law. Jacob was honored to receive plaques for most runs and for his dedication to Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department. Jacob was very professional and dedicated. He took this career seriously, and he wore his uniforms with pride. Jacob also drove a dump truck for the Harrison County Highway Department and was the first one to volunteer to go out for any emergency that might arise after work hours. That was Jacob. He never told anyone no. He was the first person to offer help, which is ultimately why he is gone. He would do it again, because he couldn’t and wouldn’t pass by anyone on the side of the road.

Jacob lost his life May 16, 2022, doing what he loved to do. He stopped to offer aid to a police officer with a stranded motorist. The motorist shot, killing Jacob. Since his death, Jacob was recognized by Governor Holcomb, who named a mile section of State Road 135 where the incident occurred the Jacob T. McClanahan Memorial Mile. Harrison Township named the New Southern Indiana Fire Training Facility the Harrison Township Fire Department Jacob T. McClanahan Training Center.

Jacob would never have believed the awesome tributes given to him, and he wouldn’t feel like he deserved it because he only did what he felt everyone should do. Jacob’s gift was his ability to make everyone feel that they were the most important person in the room. If he asked you how you were doing, he really wanted to know. He cared. He loved. He will forever live in our hearts.