About the Jackson Fire Department

About the Jackson Fire Department

Our History

1882 was a pivotal year for the Jackson Fire Department. On March 7, citizens met to discuss the need for an organized fire company and better firefighting equipment. This led to a special meeting of city leaders, resulting in the purchase of new equipment, construction of water cisterns, an alarm system, and the official formation of the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department on March 15, 1882. By 1893, the city transitioned to a paid Fire Department.

In 1885, the completion of Jackson’s water works marked a milestone in fire prevention. Fire hydrants on most street corners provided 80 pounds of pressure, ending the need for hand-pumping water. That year, the city added hose carts and reel houses, allowing volunteers to quickly connect hoses to hydrants. By November, the Fire and Water Works Committee sold the hand-pumping engine, signaling a new era of efficiency.

In 1912, Jackson acquired its first motorized firefighting apparatus, the American LaFrance Pumping Machine—the first of its kind in Tennessee. By 1923, the department included additional engines and a chemical/ladder wagon built from a Ford Model T. Growing city demands led to the opening of new stations, including Station #2 in 1925 and Station #3 in 1949 to address eastward expansion and train blockages.

The 1970s brought significant advancements in communication and dispatch, with the appointment of full-time dispatchers and modern equipment replacing horse-drawn apparatus. Over time, the department expanded its role, offering services like water rescue, hazardous materials response, and rope rescue. The Rescue Squad, established in 1989, focuses on specialized equipment and rescuing trapped motorists.

Today, the Jackson Fire Department operates with a commitment to excellence, providing 24/7, 365 fire and emergency response service. Firefighters undergo continuous training in fire suppression, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials to protect lives and livelihoods in Jackson, TN. Our Fire Department remains dedicated to state-of-the-art training, staying ahead by actively monitoring state requirements and embracing new certifications, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of emergency services. Together, we are dedicated to the safety, resilience, and well-being of our community.

Our Leadership

Don Friddle

Fire Chief

Marcus Turner

Deputy Chief

David Doris

Training Division Chief

Matt Jones

EMS Division Chief

Latrell Billingsley

Fire Marshal

Scotte McClure

Maintenance Division Chief

Andrew Gay

Battalion Chief

Wemond Graham

Battalion Chief

Brian Bowers

Battalion Chief

Stanley Green-Cole

Battalion Chief

Mike Johnson

Battalion Chief

Randy Hayes

Battalion Chief

Tina Curtis

Deputy Fire Marshal

Cory Cronin

Technology Officer

Melissa Nelson

Community Risk Reduction Specialist

Rob Johnson

Training Instructor

Duane Seals

Community Risk Reduction Specialist

Help Us help Others

The Jackson Fire + Rescue Community Safety Fund

Did you know: City funding covers essential fire rescue support, but there are limitations to funding progressive community safety advancements. Over 94% of our annual operating budget is allocated toward department salaries and benefits. Donations, community support, and business partnerships allow us to improve our services while expanding our community safety, training, and preparedness efforts in our growing city.

We’re proud to accept donations from individuals, local businesses, and corporations to support the mission of Jackson Fire & Rescue Department. These generous contributions strengthen our fire and life safety initiatives, extend training for our personnel, and invest in advanced technology to better serve our community. Your support truly makes a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of everyone we serve.

Your donation to the Jackson Fire & Rescue Community Safety Fund strengthens our ability to protect local life and property through fire rescue, prevention, and emergency medical response.

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Facebook Posts

UPCOMING....

Come to one of our information sessions to learn more about the joining the Jackson Fire Department.

OR

Come take the physical agility test & written exam.

Call 731-425-8350 and talk with our training division. They can answer any question you have.

Learn more about Jackson Fire Department by visiting: jacksontnfire.com/
... See MoreSee Less

UPCOMING....

Come to one of our information sessions to learn more about the joining the Jackson Fire Department.

OR

Come take the physical agility test & written exam. 

Call 731-425-8350 and talk with our training division.  They can answer any question you have. 

Learn more about Jackson Fire Department by visiting: https://jacksontnfire.com/

Thank you First Presbyterian Playschool for inviting us to share FIRE SAFETY with your students.

We had a BLAST!
... See MoreSee Less

Thank you First Presbyterian Playschool for inviting us to share FIRE SAFETY with your students.  

We had a BLAST!Image attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

🚒 Think you’ve got what it takes to join the ranks of Jackson’s bravest?

👀 Watch as 101.5 FM WNWS News Talk Jackson reporter, Mecca Jarmon, tackles our Fire Department’s Physical Agility Test — and spoiler alert: it’s not as easy as it looks!

🔥 Ready to put yourself to the test? Come to our Info Session on April 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
📍 Fire Administration Building, 720 S. Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301

🧯 Then prove it at our Physical Agility Test & Written Exam on May 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM
📍 440 E. Chester St, Jackson, TN 38301

👨‍🚒👩‍🚒 Do YOU have what it takes? Let’s find out. #JacksonFire #FirefighterChallenge #JoinJFD
... See MoreSee Less

If you missed the physical agility test and written exam today, or if you would like to retest, don't forget we will be at Jackson Fire Station 1, 440 East Chester Street, Jackson, TN 38301, again tomorrow morning at 8:30 am.

Start your career with Jackson Fire NOW! Applications available on site.🚒 Join the Jackson, TN Fire Department! 🔥
Ready to serve your community? Come to one of our Recruitment Info Sessions or take the New Hire Physical Agility Test & Written Exam to start your career with us!

📍 Info Sessions @ Fire Admin (720 S. Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301):
🗓️ April 24 & May 29 | ⏰ 6:00 PM

📍 Agility Test & Written Exam @ Station 1 (440 E. Chester St, Jackson, TN 38301):
🗓️ April 11, April 12, May 15, June 18 | ⏰ 8:30 AM

✅ Bring photo ID | Must be 18+ | Apps available on-site
🌐 Learn more & apply: JacksonTNFire.com

#JacksonFireDept #NowHiring #FirefighterRecruitment #ServeWithPride
... See MoreSee Less

If you missed the physical agility test and written exam today, or if you would like to retest, dont forget we will be at Jackson Fire Station 1, 440 East Chester Street, Jackson, TN 38301, again tomorrow morning at 8:30 am. 

Start your career with Jackson Fire NOW! Applications available on site.

👨‍🚒🔥 Happy National Siblings Day! 🔥👩‍🚒

In the fire service, we may not share the same last name, but the bond runs just as deep. From station dinners to late-night calls, we lean on each other like true family. Today, we celebrate not only our brothers and sisters at home, but also those who stand beside us in the heat of every challenge.

Here’s to the siblings we’re born with—and the ones we earn in the firehouse. 💛

Want to be part of a family that’s got your back, every call and every shift? Join the Jackson Fire Department and start your journey today.

👉 Learn more and apply at www.jacksontnfire.com 🚒

#NationalSiblingsDay #FireFamily #Brotherhood #Sisterhood #ThinRedLine #FirefighterLife #JoinJFD #JacksonFireDepartment #NowHiring
... See MoreSee Less

Thank You, WoodmenLife!

On April 9, 2025, the City of Jackson, TN Fire Department was honored to receive a brand-new American Flag from WoodmenLife for our administrative building. We're incredibly grateful for their generous support and continued dedication to honoring our nation and those who serve it.

WoodmenLife has a strong tradition of giving back—especially here in Jackson, TN—through programs that support first responders, provide American flags to local organizations, and promote community unity. Their commitment to patriotism and service truly makes a difference.

#ThankYouWoodmenLife #JacksonTNFire #CommunityStrong #AmericanFlag #Patriotism #OnlyInAmerica
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1 week ago

🚒 Join the Jackson, TN Fire Department! 🔥
Ready to serve your community? Come to one of our Recruitment Info Sessions or take the New Hire Physical Agility Test & Written Exam to start your career with us!

📍 Info Sessions @ Fire Admin (720 S. Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301):
🗓️ April 24 & May 29 | ⏰ 6:00 PM

📍 Agility Test & Written Exam @ Station 1 (440 E. Chester St, Jackson, TN 38301):
🗓️ April 11, April 12, May 15, June 18 | ⏰ 8:30 AM

✅ Bring photo ID | Must be 18+ | Apps available on-site
🌐 Learn more & apply: JacksonTNFire.com

#JacksonFireDept #NowHiring #FirefighterRecruitment #ServeWithPride
... See MoreSee Less

🚒 Join the Jackson, TN Fire Department! 🔥
Ready to serve your community? Come to one of our Recruitment Info Sessions or take the New Hire Physical Agility Test & Written Exam to start your career with us!

📍 Info Sessions @ Fire Admin (720 S. Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301):
🗓️ April 24 & May 29 | ⏰ 6:00 PM

📍 Agility Test & Written Exam @ Station 1 (440 E. Chester St, Jackson, TN 38301):
🗓️ April 11, April 12, May 15, June 18 | ⏰ 8:30 AM

✅ Bring photo ID | Must be 18+ | Apps available on-site
🌐 Learn more & apply: JacksonTNFire.com

#JacksonFireDept #NowHiring #FirefighterRecruitment #ServeWithPride

🎉 Last week, we celebrated the graduation of our newest firefighter recruits, who were officially sworn in by the Mayor! 👨‍🚒👩‍🚒 Alongside them, we welcomed a lateral firefighter/paramedic and two single-role paramedics into our team.

A huge congratulations to everyone for reaching this important milestone! We are proud to have such dedicated and passionate individuals joining our ranks. We can't wait to see the amazing work you'll do serving and protecting our community.

Here's to a bright future ahead! 🚒💪

Also thank you to Woodstock Coffee & Bakeshop for the delicious cupcakes! 🧁
... See MoreSee Less

🎉 Last week, we celebrated the graduation of our newest firefighter recruits, who were officially sworn in by the Mayor! 👨‍🚒👩‍🚒 Alongside them, we welcomed a lateral firefighter/paramedic and two single-role paramedics into our team. 

A huge congratulations to everyone for reaching this important milestone! We are proud to have such dedicated and passionate individuals joining our ranks. We cant wait to see the amazing work youll do serving and protecting our community.

Heres to a bright future ahead! 🚒💪

Also thank you to Woodstock Coffee & Bakeshop for the delicious cupcakes! 🧁Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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