News

When it comes to stroke care, time is brain. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States, with treatment outcomes improving significantly when care begins within the first few hours. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, in partnership with UF Health, is expanding the capabilities of the Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit, bringing advanced, hospital-level care directly to patients in the field.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the City of Jacksonville are joining communities nationwide to observe Fire Prevention Week, October 5–11, 2025. This year’s national theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” highlights the importance of charging, storing, and recycling batteries safely.

What began with a chance conversation in 2013 has grown into a lasting bond between the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the German fire service.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department crews responded to a fire in the Division street neighborhood several weeks ago that could have ended in tragedy. Thanks to the quick actions of crews from Fire Station 7, three family members were rescued from the burning home and are alive today.

On Saturday, September 20th, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums members will participate in the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial ceremony in Colorado Springs, CO.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has announced a leadership transition within its Training Division, which delivers thousands of hours of instruction each year to prepare firefighters for service across Jacksonville’s nearly 900 square miles.

Family, friends, and fellow firefighters gathered in Jacksonville Beach to honor Firefighter Ian Church with the dedication of a street sign bearing his name. The ceremony marked one year since his passing and served as a permanent reminder of his service to both Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the beach community he helped protect.

On August 26, 2025, the Jacksonville City Council confirmed three leadership appointments to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Each leader’s story reflects JFRD’s tradition of service and serves as inspiration for the next generation of first responders.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department assisted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in the search for a local missing mother, 34-year-old Kayla Bailey.

The Southside Business Men’s Club recognized two Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel at its annual Public Safety Awards, honoring the department’s Firefighter of the Year and Paramedic of the Year for their outstanding service to the community.

The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD), in partnership with the Jacksonville Port Authority and the Department of Defense, has officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art facility for Fire Station 48. The groundbreaking marks the culmination of 18 months of planning, coordination and interagency collaboration.

Jake Blanton to Serve as Next Deputy Fire Chief Today, Mayor Donna Deegan announced the next Chief and Deputy Chief of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) after an open and transparent selection process over six weeks. The process included 17 qualified candidates, five talented finalists who went through multiple rounds of interviews, and valuable input from past Fire Chiefs, JFRD leaders, and the rank and file.