On New Year’s Day, the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD) announced the death of active-duty Engineer Justin D. Boyd in what is now being investigated as a homicide
Engineer Boyd’s life was taken on New Year’s morning and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Lovingly known as “JB,” Justin was the engineer on Ladder 6 B Shift and has served on the department since May 27, 2014. He was a member of Recruit Class 79.
Justin leaves behind a wife, Samiya Boyd, and two children, Justin Boyd III and Jailyn Boyd.
“We were devastated to hear of the tragic loss of our friend and fellow IFD firefighter, Justin Boyd,” said IFD Chief Ernest Malone. “Justin was a well loved member of this department and proudly served for 10 years as a firefighter. Our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy, most especially his wife and two children. Our heartfelt thoughts also go out to the family of the other victim involved in this tragedy. Please know you have our prayers as well. For those of us who served with Justin, we are at a complete loss for words. He will be sorely missed.”
According to a release from the department, Straight out of recruit school he was assigned to the “B” Shift where he remained during his career. He went “regular” at IFD Station 6 spending the majority of his time on Ladder 6 although he did a brief stint on Engine 6. He was definitely a “ladder guy.” Throughout his career, Justin spent time mentoring new firefighters and many requested assignment at Station 6 because he took them under his wing and made them feel so welcome.
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Justin attended Fort Wayne North Side High School. He went on to attend both University of Findlay and the University of St. Francis but did not obtain a degree. Between 2004 -2007, Justin was an Assistant Varsity Football Coach at Northwest High School and he also coached Little League Football for the Pike Township Football League. He has been a professional barber for over 26 years and co-owned the Universal Barbershop at 73rd and Michigan Road. JB was known for his gift of gab, sense of humor and for encouraging young men who came through the shop to consider joining the fire service. He was an active member of the Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association; played for the IFD Basketball Team, which competes for yearly bragging rights against the Indianapolis Police Department; and participated for many years as part of the Dress For Success event as a firefighter escort for the models on stage. For the last eight years, Justin was part of the IFD Deputy Fire Marshal team, working events and football games at Lucas Oil Stadium, helping keep a watchful eye on fire safety during Colts games.
One story that perfectly illustrates who Justin was at his core happened in 2019 after leaving Lucas Oil Stadium. He noticed a young man about the age of 14 outside of the stadium and engaged him in conversation. Quickly assessing that the young man was in need of help, Justin, often described as a “big teddy bear,” put him up in a hotel and contacted social services. Together they worked to find him housing and additional resources. Eventually, the young man reconnected with his family. In recognition for his good deed, he received a challenge coin from his battalion chief. The encounter brought Justin a few tears as he said this young man reminded him so much of his son that he knew he had to help.
According to an updated from the IFD, police arrested a man Monday night for his alleged role in Monday morning’s double homicide on the northwest side. Detectives believe the injuries to the victims are consistent with gunshot wounds, and the suspect was arrested for murder.
