JACKSONVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT: ANSWERING THE CALL
Author: Wayne Painter
Chief, Jacksonville Fire Department
The Jacksonville Fire Department has a long-standing tradition of service, dedication, and professionalism, proudly protecting the City of Jacksonville and surrounding communities since 1883. More than an emergency response agency, the department is a vital part of the community—committed to safeguarding lives, property, and the quality of life for everyone who calls Jacksonville home.
The department is staffed by six full-time career firefighters, one Fire Chief, one part-time Fire Inspector, three Fire Science students, and a dedicated group of volunteers. More than 90 percent of personnel are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or Paramedics, ensuring a high level of medical and emergency response capability for the community.
Jacksonville Fire responds to a wide range of emergencies, including structure and wildland fires, medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, and natural disasters. Each incident is met with professionalism, preparedness, and care, regardless of size or complexity. The department’s mission is simple yet essential: to serve with integrity, professionalism, and compassion while maintaining the highest safety standards.
In recent years, the department has made significant progress in modernizing its operations and equipment. The addition of a new 2025 Pierce Saber fire engine replaced a nearly 30-year-old apparatus and provides advanced safety features, improved reliability, and modern firefighting technology that enhances both firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. Recent station upgrades have also expanded the facility’s role as the City’s Emergency Operations Center, strengthening the city’s ability to manage larger-scale incidents. The Insurance Services just classified the Jacksonville Fire Department as two on a scale of ten with one being the best you can get.
Training remains a cornerstone of the Jacksonville Fire Department. Firefighters participate in ongoing education and hands-on training to remain current in fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue operations. Through regional training opportunities and in-house drills, the department emphasizes readiness, accountability, and operational excellence, ensuring personnel are prepared when seconds matter most.
Beyond emergency response, the department is actively involved in community risk reduction and public education. Programs such as Firewise, fuels reduction projects in Forest Park and surrounding areas, safety outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local and county agencies help reduce the likelihood and impact of emergencies. These efforts strengthen community resilience and promote a culture of preparedness.
The success of the Jacksonville Fire Department is made possible through the continued support of city leadership, partner agencies, and the community it serves. Firefighters take pride in serving a city that values safety, preparedness, and public service. As Jacksonville continues to grow and evolve, the department remains committed to advancing alongside it—always focused on protecting what matters most.
The Jacksonville Fire Department is more than a department; it is a promise to the community: to be ready, to be professional, and to always answer the call.
