Percy Golden II, Director/Fire Chief

Chief Percy Golden II serves as the Director/ Fire Chief of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

Appointed by Mayor Donna Deegan in July 2025 to helm one of the largest municipal fire departments in the United States, his leadership represents a significant milestone in Jacksonville’s continued commitment to forward-thinking public service.

Chief Golden holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management from Columbia Southern University and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Florida State College at Jacksonville. His academic background in healthcare and emergency management has been pivotal in shaping his approach to operational readiness and emergency response strategies.

A Jacksonville native, Chief Golden has served with JFRD for over two decades, beginning his career in 2003. He advanced through the ranks alongside the men and women he now leads, earning promotion to Lieutenant in 2012, Captain in 2013, and Deputy Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness in 2023, culminating in his appointment as Director/Fire Chief.

Along with his service and leadership on the front lines, Chief Golden has made lasting contributions in pivotal administrative roles. As the department’s Grant Administrator, he successfully secured millions of dollars in local, state, and federal funding to enhance JFRD’s capabilities. These grants supported the acquisition of cutting-edge firefighting and medical equipment, training programs, station infrastructure upgrades, and community outreach expansion. His proactive, strategic approach to grants helped drive innovation across the department while ensuring financial sustainability.

As JFRD’s Emergency Preparedness Health and Medical Coordinator, he led cross-agency efforts to strengthen emergency medical services and public health response. In this critical role during the city’s COVID-19 response, Chief Golden coordinated testing, vaccination, and medical resource distribution. His leadership built lasting partnerships with hospitals, health agencies, and emergency management teams, enhancing the city’s readiness for future public health emergencies.

Today, Chief Golden oversees over 1,800 uniformed personnel across 68 stations, serving more than 950,000 residents within 918 square miles. Managing a $400 million budget, he is responsible for both daily operations and guiding JFRD through the evolving needs of a growing city. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the well-being of Jacksonville’s residents and first responders, Chief Golden leads the department into a new era of service and progress.