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
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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🚑 EMS Refresher Course – Hosted by Jackson Fire Department 🚑
The Jackson Fire Department is offering an EMS Refresher Course to meet the Tennessee State CEU requirements for all EMS provider levels: EMR, EMT-Basic, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic.
📍 Location: 720 S. Highland Ave., Jackson, TN 38301
📅 Course Dates & CEU Hours:
• EMR: August 13, 2025 (10 CEUs)
• EMT-Basic: August 13–14, 2025 (20 CEUs)
• Advanced EMT: August 13–15, 2025 (25 CEUs, ends midday Aug 15)
• Paramedic: August 13–15, 2025 (32 CEUs)
🕘 Class starts at 9:00 AM each day – participants must attend consecutive days based on their license level.
💲 Course Fees:
• EMR: $180
• EMT-Basic: $275
• Advanced EMT: $300
• Paramedic: $350
Open to all EMS providers needing CEUs for Tennessee licensure. Payment by check or money order is accepted on the first day of class.
📞 Reserve Your Spot:
Contact Chief Matt Jones
Call/Text: 731-267-9181
Email: mattjones@jacksontn.gov
Don’t miss this opportunity to keep your skills sharp and your certification current! 🚒💪 ... See MoreSee Less
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Earlier today, JFD responded to a call for a child stuck in playground equipment. Initial units were sent to one location, but the child was actually at a different park nearby. Once crews arrived at the correct spot, firefighters carefully used hand tools to free the child’s knee, which was stuck between a handhold bar and the flooring. Thankfully, the child was uninjured and required no transport.
This incident is a great reminder of two important safety tips:
✅ Always provide accurate location details when calling 911 — every second matters in an emergency.
✅ Make sure address numbers and signage are clearly visible to help first responders find you quickly.
We’re glad this call ended safely — and without damage to the playground. Great teamwork by all involved! 👨🚒👩🚒 #JacksonTN #JFD #CommunitySafety #KnowYourLocation #VisibleAddressSignsSaveTime ... See MoreSee Less
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🔥 Jackson Fire Department Safety Alert 🔥
This week, JFD has seen a noticeable increase in heat-related medical calls as temperatures soar across our area. With extreme heat expected to continue over the next few days, we urge everyone to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe.
☀️ HEAT SAFETY TIPS:
Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles — even for a minute.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours (11 AM–4 PM).
Check on elderly family members and neighbors.
🔌 COOLING DEVICE SAFETY:
Plug fans and portable air conditioners directly into wall outlets—avoid extension cords or power strips.
Keep cooling devices free of dust and debris; clean filters regularly.
Never leave box fans or window units running unattended for long periods.
🔥 HEAT-RELATED FIRE SAFETY:
Avoid using grills or fire pits during peak heat or high wind conditions.
Don’t overload circuits trying to power multiple cooling devices.
If you use a generator during outages, keep it outside and away from windows—never indoors or in garages.
Jackson Fire Department is here for you, but prevention starts with preparation. Let’s work together to stay safe and beat the heat! ☀️🚒
#HeatSafety #FireSafety #JFD #StayCoolJackson #SummerTips #JacksonTN ... See MoreSee Less
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🎀 Jackson Fire Department Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirts Are On Sale Now! 🎀
Support a great cause and show your support with this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness shirt from JFD!
👉 To purchase, visit www.jacksontnfire.com and click DONATE in the top right corner.
📝 Be sure to include your shirt size(s) in the comments section.
📬 Need it shipped? Please add $5 for mailing.
Thank you for helping us raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer! 💪💗
#JacksonTNFire #BreastCancerAwareness #JFDStrong #SupportTheFight #PinkForACause ... See MoreSee Less
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📣 Thank you to 101.5 FM WNWS News Talk Jackson and Mecca Jarmon for helping us spread the word!
🔥🚨 Our next Fire Safety and Hands-Only CPR Training is set for Tuesday, August 19 at 5:30 PM — and we want YOU to join us!
📍 Location: 720 S. Highland Ave.
📞 To register, contact:
Melissa Nelson – 731-513-0711
📧 melissajensrud@jacksontn.gov
This free training could help save a life — don’t miss it! 🫀🚒
#JacksonTN #FireSafety #CPRTraining #CommunityPreparedness #JFD #LightTheWay ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒 Historic Truck 2 Update!
Big progress in the restoration journey of JFD’s first aerial fire truck — the 1942 Seagrave Quint, Truck 2! After being made moveable and staged for transport, the truck has now been successfully transported to the Jackson Fire Department Administration Building.
We’re excited to have this important piece of JFD history one step closer to its future display and restoration. Stay tuned for more updates as we preserve our department’s proud legacy!
#JacksonTN #JFDHistory #Truck2 #FireServiceHeritage #SeagraveQuint1942 ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨 Help Us Help You: Make Your Address Visible! 🚨
Seconds count in an emergency. One of the simplest — yet most important — ways you can help first responders is by making sure your house number is clearly visible from the street, day or night.
👀 Why it matters:
If your address numbers are hidden, faded, or missing, it delays our response during emergencies. Whether it’s a fire, medical call, or police matter — we can't help if we can't find you quickly.
✅ Where to place address numbers:
On your mailbox (both sides if possible)
Above or beside your front door
On a post at the end of your driveway
Near the roadside, especially if your home sits far back
Make sure they are at least 4 inches tall, contrasting in color, and not blocked by shrubs, decorations, or porch lights
🛒 Where to buy:
Local hardware stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Ace Hardware
Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com
Custom signage shops for larger or reflective numbers
🏡 Reflective or lighted numbers are ideal for night visibility!
Help us get to you faster. Check your address numbers today!
#JFD #JacksonTN #FirstResponderTips #AddressVisibility #SafetyStartsAtHome ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒 Historic Truck 2 Update 🚒
Another step forward in preserving our history! Jackson Fire Department’s first aerial fire truck — Truck 2, a 1942 Seagrave Quint — has officially been made moveable and pulled from its storage location.
The apparatus is now staged and ready for the next step: loading and transport back to JFD. We’re excited to see progress as we work to restore and honor this important piece of our department’s legacy.
Stay tuned for more updates! 🔧🧯 #JFDHistory #Truck2 #SeagraveQuint #FireServiceLegacy #JacksonTN ... See MoreSee Less
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