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.
Facebook Posts
Jackson Fire welcomes firefighters from across the state to the 92nd Annual Tennessee Firemen’s Association Conference. Training will be conducted this weekend at various locations around Jackson and Madison County. ... See MoreSee Less
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Day three of the TFACA Rope Technician Course focused on critical skills! 🚨 They dove into packaging and picking off a downed rescuer, ensuring our team is prepared for any emergency. Hands-on training makes all the difference in keeping our firefighters and communities safe! 🧗♂️💪 #ropetechnician #firefightertraining #safetyfirst ... See MoreSee Less
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This afternoon at the Tennessee Firemen’s Association Conference, Captain Marlon Gray discussed our Mental Health First Aid program, emphasizing its importance for our firefighters. Captain Bob Fluck shared insights about the Peer Counselor program, fostering support within our ranks. Chief Don Friddle also spoke about his experiences with the program and its positive impact on firefighters and their families. Together, we are committed to prioritizing mental health and well-being! 💙🚒 #MentalHealthMatters #FirefighterSupport #TennesseeFirefighters #jacksontnfire #CommunityHeroes ... See MoreSee Less
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Day 2 of TFACA Rope Technician Training! 🪢🔥 Today, we're honing our skills in ascending and descending techniques. It's all about mastering the ropes and ensuring safety in every move. Excited to push our limits and learn from each other! Let’s climb higher! 💪 #RopeTechTraining #SafetyFirst #AdventureAwaits #CommunityHeroes #jacksontnfire ... See MoreSee Less
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UPDATE: Final escapee in custody.
Great job by all agencies involved. ... See MoreSee Less
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👨🚒 Yesterday at Station 2, Firefighter Daniel Duncan and Driver Brian Bain led a Rope Operations refresher for our crews. These skills are vital for rescues in challenging environments where every knot, anchor, and movement matters.
Here are a few important rope safety facts:
1️⃣ Always inspect ropes before and after each use—small cuts or frays can weaken them significantly.
2️⃣ Never step on a rope—dirt and grit can grind into the fibers and reduce its strength.
3️⃣ Proper knots matter—tying the wrong knot, or tying a good knot incorrectly, can cause failure during critical moments.
Training like this ensures our firefighters stay sharp, safe, and ready to serve the citizens of Jackson. 💪🔥 ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒🇺🇸 Today, Jackson Fire Department’s Truck 5 proudly raised the American flag at the Racing So They Can Ride event here in Jackson.
Each year, this incredible event brings the community together through racing and fellowship, all to benefit Rein-Bow Riding Academy—a local program that provides therapeutic horseback riding opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 🐎💙
This cause is especially near and dear to JFD, and we are honored to play a small part in supporting the riders, families, and volunteers who make a difference in so many lives.
#JacksonTN #JFD #RacingSoTheyCanRide #CommunityStrong ... See MoreSee Less
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🎉👏 Honoring 25 Years of Service 👏🎉
Please join us in celebrating 25 years of dedicated service with the Jackson Fire Department to the citizens of Jackson, TN.
🔥 Firefighter Edmond Allen (Not Pictured)
🔥 Training Division Chief David Dorris
🔥 Driver Derick Fuller
🔥 Captain Kent Lott
We are grateful for their commitment, sacrifice, and leadership. Thank you for a quarter-century of protecting lives and property in our community. 🚒❤️
#JFD #25yearsofservice #DedicatedToServe ... See MoreSee Less
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UPDATE: ... See MoreSee Less
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