Marvin Benton is the Parking Enforcement Coordinator in the Public Works Department for the city of Little Rock. He oversees the enforcement of the city's parking ordinances related to Little Rock District on-street parking throughout the downtown area, the River Market, and Children's Hospital.
From 1984 - 1995, Marvin was a member of the Little Rock Fire Department. In 1993, Marvin's unit responded to a house fire where Marvin was ordered into the home to search for an elderly gentleman thought to be inside. Without warning, the structure collapsed around Marvin trapping him in the blaze until he was pulled to safety.
Marvin sustained 3rd degree burns to 33 percent of his body, leaving serious injuries that kept him in the hospital for two months and at home recovering for two years. Today, over 25 years later, he continues to require surgery to ensure a normal life. Marvin was named "Firefighter of the Year" and received the city's Medal of Valor for his heroism in that fire.
Marvin retired from the Little Rock Fire Department a few years after the incident and became the Fire Prevention Officer where he trained thousands of citizens on fire safety. Since that time, he has served in several other roles within Little Rock's city government including: Recycling Education Coordinator, Community Service Coordinator, and Assistant Solid Waste Collection Supervisor.
Marvin is devoted to sharing his personal story in the form of motivational speeches to encourage others to persevere in the face of obstacles. He has spoken at fire academies, universities, government organizations, nonprofit agencies, and various religious organizations across Arkansas. In 2017, Marvin was the keynote speaker at the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial ceremony. Marvin also delivered one of the 911 Tribute speeches for STAND Foundation, Inc. Leadership Institute graduation ceremony. Marvin has served on the board of the "Designing Hope Foundation," a nonprofit organization which encourages and empowers burn survivors and children with disabilities through peer support, advocacy, and financial assistance. Marvin was featured in the June 2018 publication of Plastic Surgery News, the official news journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Spring 2018 publication of Brown Bulletin, the official magazine of John Brown University. Currently, Marvin is a board member with the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial where its members are dedicated to the memories of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Furthermore, Marvin is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., an organization known for its commitment to assist in uplifting local communities.
In 2015, with a spiritual nudging, Valerie Benton, Marvin's loving wife, encouraged him to record his remarkable story in writing. She shared with Marvin how God had given her a vision of one of her assignments in their marriage - and that was to write his story. Marvin had always wanted to do so because he knew he had something of value to offer others - faith and courage in the midst of horrific circumstances. Together, within one and a half years, Unfallen Hero, came to fruition. This book chronicles that fateful night, Marvin's long road to recovery, and his struggles with a new life. Marvin gives his wife full credit for the writing of his story.
Marvin is the proud father of three extraordinary women: Joycelin Randle, Esq, Joyvin Benton, Ph.D., and Ashley Benton Thomas, Family Nurse Practitioner. One of Marvin's favorite past times is being "PawPaw" to his grandson, Caleb.
From 1984 - 1995, Marvin was a member of the Little Rock Fire Department. In 1993, Marvin's unit responded to a house fire where Marvin was ordered into the home to search for an elderly gentleman thought to be inside. Without warning, the structure collapsed around Marvin trapping him in the blaze until he was pulled to safety.
Marvin sustained 3rd degree burns to 33 percent of his body, leaving serious injuries that kept him in the hospital for two months and at home recovering for two years. Today, over 25 years later, he continues to require surgery to ensure a normal life. Marvin was named "Firefighter of the Year" and received the city's Medal of Valor for his heroism in that fire.
Marvin retired from the Little Rock Fire Department a few years after the incident and became the Fire Prevention Officer where he trained thousands of citizens on fire safety. Since that time, he has served in several other roles within Little Rock's city government including: Recycling Education Coordinator, Community Service Coordinator, and Assistant Solid Waste Collection Supervisor.
Marvin is devoted to sharing his personal story in the form of motivational speeches to encourage others to persevere in the face of obstacles. He has spoken at fire academies, universities, government organizations, nonprofit agencies, and various religious organizations across Arkansas. In 2017, Marvin was the keynote speaker at the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial ceremony. Marvin also delivered one of the 911 Tribute speeches for STAND Foundation, Inc. Leadership Institute graduation ceremony. Marvin has served on the board of the "Designing Hope Foundation," a nonprofit organization which encourages and empowers burn survivors and children with disabilities through peer support, advocacy, and financial assistance. Marvin was featured in the June 2018 publication of Plastic Surgery News, the official news journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Spring 2018 publication of Brown Bulletin, the official magazine of John Brown University. Currently, Marvin is a board member with the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial where its members are dedicated to the memories of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Furthermore, Marvin is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., an organization known for its commitment to assist in uplifting local communities.
In 2015, with a spiritual nudging, Valerie Benton, Marvin's loving wife, encouraged him to record his remarkable story in writing. She shared with Marvin how God had given her a vision of one of her assignments in their marriage - and that was to write his story. Marvin had always wanted to do so because he knew he had something of value to offer others - faith and courage in the midst of horrific circumstances. Together, within one and a half years, Unfallen Hero, came to fruition. This book chronicles that fateful night, Marvin's long road to recovery, and his struggles with a new life. Marvin gives his wife full credit for the writing of his story.
Marvin is the proud father of three extraordinary women: Joycelin Randle, Esq, Joyvin Benton, Ph.D., and Ashley Benton Thomas, Family Nurse Practitioner. One of Marvin's favorite past times is being "PawPaw" to his grandson, Caleb.
© 2018 Marvin L. Benton. Unfallen Hero. All Rights Reserved.