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M. Dallas Cooke, Rescue Division Chief
Chief Cooke has proudly served with the Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department (JFRD) since 2009. She has risen steadily through the ranks from firefighter to Captain before being appointed as the Division Chief of Rescue by Mayor Donna Deegan in July 2025. With over 16 years of experience, she exemplifies operational excellence, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to public safety. Cooke’s appointment is not only a reflection of her leadership and expertise, but a historic milestone as the first African American female in the department’s history to hold this executive-level position.
Having progressed through the operational rank structure, Chief Cooke brings a deep institutional knowledge, a passion for professional growth, and a drive to integrate life-saving technology into daily rescue operations. Her leadership philosophy centers on integrity, accountability, innovation, and the professional development of the next generation of leaders.
Chief Cooke’s academic background consists of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This terminal degree in clinical nursing demonstrates her strong academic foundation and commitment to clinical and leadership excellence.
With a distinguished background as both a firefighter paramedic and a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Chief Cooke brings a rare and powerful dual perspective blending frontline clinical experience with operational command leadership. Whether serving in an operational or administrative capacity, she leads with integrity, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to the citizens of Jacksonville.
Throughout her career with JFRD, Chief Cooke has served in multiple roles across the department’s six divisions, giving her a broad perspective on its operations and needs. In 2023, as Health and Medical Coordinator for the Emergency Preparedness Division, she was instrumental in launching the Registry for Endangered, Vulnerable, and Missing Persons (R.E.V.A.M.P). Developed in partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, R.E.V.A.M.P. Duval is a voluntary program that aids in the safe return of individuals with cognitive or sensory impairments prone to wandering.
As Division Chief of Rescue, Chief Cooke oversees state-of-the-art medical and rescue apparatus that provide cutting-edge pre-hospital care across Jacksonville’s expansive 918-square-mile region. Under her leadership, she maintains a fleet of 64 Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport units to include four specialized Critical Care Rescue Units, and Jacksonville’s first Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit in partnership with UF Health. These units are staffed by more than 400 uniformed personnel dedicated to delivering the highest level of care to the citizens of Jacksonville.
Having progressed through the operational rank structure, Chief Cooke brings a deep institutional knowledge, a passion for professional growth, and a drive to integrate life-saving technology into daily rescue operations. Her leadership philosophy centers on integrity, accountability, innovation, and the professional development of the next generation of leaders.
Chief Cooke’s academic background consists of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This terminal degree in clinical nursing demonstrates her strong academic foundation and commitment to clinical and leadership excellence.
With a distinguished background as both a firefighter paramedic and a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Chief Cooke brings a rare and powerful dual perspective blending frontline clinical experience with operational command leadership. Whether serving in an operational or administrative capacity, she leads with integrity, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to the citizens of Jacksonville.
Throughout her career with JFRD, Chief Cooke has served in multiple roles across the department’s six divisions, giving her a broad perspective on its operations and needs. In 2023, as Health and Medical Coordinator for the Emergency Preparedness Division, she was instrumental in launching the Registry for Endangered, Vulnerable, and Missing Persons (R.E.V.A.M.P). Developed in partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, R.E.V.A.M.P. Duval is a voluntary program that aids in the safe return of individuals with cognitive or sensory impairments prone to wandering.
As Division Chief of Rescue, Chief Cooke oversees state-of-the-art medical and rescue apparatus that provide cutting-edge pre-hospital care across Jacksonville’s expansive 918-square-mile region. Under her leadership, she maintains a fleet of 64 Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport units to include four specialized Critical Care Rescue Units, and Jacksonville’s first Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit in partnership with UF Health. These units are staffed by more than 400 uniformed personnel dedicated to delivering the highest level of care to the citizens of Jacksonville.