Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) Director/Fire Chief Kurtis Wilson retired at the end of May after 25 years of service to the department. Mayor Lenny Curry has appointed Operations Division Chief Keith Powers as interim director/fire chief.

“Chief Wilson has been an exemplary leader for the men and women of JFRD and I wish him and his family the best,” said Mayor Curry. “Our firefighters are some of the best in the business and continuously set the bar for departments across the nation. I look forward to working with Chief Powers in the coming months as we continue to identify and develop innovative solutions and best practices to improve the health and safety of Jacksonville citizens.”

Wilson began his JFRD career in 1994 and quickly rose through the ranks. Throughout his career he has served as captain of Fire Station 21, and chief of the Administrative Services, Fire Prevention and Operations divisions of JFRD. He was appointed as director/fire chief by Mayor Curry in August 2015. 

Powers was appointed chief of the Operations Division in August 2015, the largest division in the department responsible for managing more than 900 fire suppression personnel. He is a 23-year veteran of the department.