Operations Division
JFRD Fire Operations Division: The Front Line of Emergency Response
Welcome to the heart of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department — the Operations Division, also known as the Combat/Suppression Division. This is where courage meets commitment, and where every shift begins with one mission: to protect lives and property across our city.A Force of Over 1,200 Strong
With approximately 1,200 highly trained professionals, the Operations Division is the largest and most dynamic arm of JFRD. More than 600 of our personnel are licensed paramedics, equipped with advanced life support training. Every field member is at minimum a Florida-certified Firefighter II and licensed EMT, ensuring expert care at every emergency scene.
First on Scene, Every Time
From blazing structure fires to life-threatening medical emergencies, our teams are always ready. Operations personnel respond to every medical call in Jacksonville, working side-by-side with the Rescue Division to deliver rapid, lifesaving care.Where Every Firefighter Begins
Every new JFRD firefighter who graduates Recruit Academy starts their journey in Operations. This first year is a deep dive into the essential training, knowledge, and skills that shape a lifelong career in professional firefighting.Powerful Fleet, Specialized Teams
Our Combat Personnel operate a formidable fleet:
- 58 Fire Engines
- 15 Ladder Trucks
- 5 Squads
- 17 Water Tankers
- Plus a range of Specialty Apparatus
These resources support specialty-trained teams including:
- Hazardous Materials Team
- Special Operations Team
- Marine Units
- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
Pioneers in Hazardous Materials Response
Founded in 1977, Jacksonville’s Hazardous Materials Team was the first of its kind in the U.S. Today, it remains a national leader, responding to chemical, biological, nuclear threats, fuel spills, and gas leaks with unmatched expertise.
Special Ops: When Every Second Counts
Our Special Operations Team includes:
- Technical Rescue Team – Experts in building collapses, high-rise rescues, construction accidents, and more.
- Squad Companies – These units respond to every major incident, providing Rapid Intervention Teams trained to rescue fellow firefighters in life-threatening situations.
JFRD proudly leads Florida Task Force 5, a state-designated Urban Search and Rescue Team. Comprising members from every division, this team responds to natural disasters across Florida and beyond, bringing hope and help to communities in crisis.
Guardians of the Waterways
Our Marine Division ensures safety across Jacksonville’s vast waterways. These specialists are trained in fireboat operations, water rescues, and marine firefighting — ready for any emergency on the river, ocean, or port.
Protecting the Skies: ARFF Division
JFRD’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) units help safeguard all Jacksonville airports. With strategically placed stations including one located directly at Jacksonville International Airport, our ARFF personnel are trained to handle emergencies involving everything from commercial airliners to military aircraft.
Fire Operations, JFRD's largest division, saves lives and protects property 24 hours a day, seven days a week by responding to fires, accidents and other emergencies. In addition to fire combat companies, this division includes hazardous materials and special operations teams.
Always Ready, Always There
Each year, the Operations Division responds to over 150,000 emergency calls — from medical calls and structure fires, to vehicle extrications, hazardous leaks, boating accidents, and complex rescues. Our teams work 24/7, rotating through 24-hour shifts, ensuring that Jacksonville is protected every minute of every day.