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
Today, members of the Jackson Fire Department traveled to Millington to attend an EV Fire Behavior course.
Our crews gained valuable hands-on experience and insight into how electric vehicle fires behave, along with the tactics needed to safely and effectively manage these modern hazards. As technology evolves, so does our training—ensuring we’re always prepared to protect our community.
⚡🚒 #JacksonFire #TrainingMatters #EVSafety ... See MoreSee Less
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🎉 35 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE! 🎉
Today, the Jackson Fire Department is incredibly proud to celebrate a massive milestone: Battalion Chief Mike Johnson has officially reached 35 years of service with our department! 🚒🔥
From April 15, 1991, to April 15, 2026, Chief Johnson has been a pillar of strength, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the safety of our community. For three and a half decades, his experience and dedication have made a lasting impact on countless lives and shaped the future of our department.
Please join us in congratulating Battalion Chief Johnson on this incredible achievement! Thank you, Chief, for 35 years of bravery, sacrifice, and excellence. Here's to you! 👏👨🚒
#JacksonFireDepartment #35YearsOfService #BattalionChief #FirefighterLife #CommunityHero #Dedication #JacksonPride ... See MoreSee Less
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A big THANK YOU to Jim Scano and Firehouse Shirt Club for their generous donation! 🔥
Our crew at Station 2 had a great time meeting you and truly appreciate the support. We’re grateful for partnerships like this that help us continue serving our community.
#FDICRoadTrip26 ... See MoreSee Less
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Yesterday, Engine 77 C Shift had a great time visiting the students at Trinity Pre-K! 🚒
Crews shared important fire safety tips, reminded students that firefighters are their friends—so never hide from them—and showed off the fire truck up close.
Thank you for having us! We love helping our youngest community members learn how to stay safe. ... See MoreSee Less
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We see you, City of Jackson, TN - Police Department… 👀
When we saw your “Daddy’s Home” video, we figured it was only right to remind everyone who really makes an entrance. 🚒🔥
So here’s Jackson Fire Department pulling up like… yeah, we heard y’all needed us. 😎
No sirens needed—just vibes (and maybe a little friendly competition).
#JacksonFire #DaddysHome #FriendlyRivalry #WeGotNext ... See MoreSee Less
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Yesterday afternoon, C Shift crews from the Jackson Fire Department responded to a small fire in the basement of the historic Greyhound bus station in downtown Jackson.
Thanks to their rapid response and teamwork, crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and limit damage to the structure.
Great work by all involved in protecting a piece of our city’s history! 🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
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This morning, members of the Jackson Fire Department, Jackson Central Dispatch Police, Fire & 911, and Medical Center EMS were presented with Letters of Commendation for their extraordinary service and bravery during a life-saving incident earlier this year.
On January 2nd, just after 5:00 p.m., Jackson Central Dispatch received a report of a residential fire on North Hays Avenue. Telecommunicators Katlin Champion, Kiara Long, James Gibbons, Alana Goff, and Akea Baker handled the call with professionalism and urgency, ensuring a rapid and coordinated response.
When Engine 13 arrived, crews were met with heavy smoke and a desperate report of a victim trapped on the second floor. Captain Steve Gibson conducted a rapid assessment while Firefighters Justin Robertson and Kellan Knott made entry to begin fire attack and search efforts.
Despite extreme heat and challenging conditions that initially prevented access to the second floor, crews remained determined. After advancing a second line and overcoming intense fire conditions, firefighters gained access upstairs and located the victim during a focused search.
Through a coordinated team effort, Battalion Chief Stanley Cole, Captains Campbell, Jackson, and Bullman, Driver Brian Taylor, and Firefighters Zabriskie, Dalton Crozier, Stewart, Johnson, Little, Blazer, and Lewis successfully removed the victim and transferred care to JFD Medics Gabrielle Pride and Nicholas Wiggins, along with Med Center EMS Medics Jonathan Burke and Alectra Bayer.
The victim was transported unresponsive to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and later transferred to Vanderbilt ICU. We are incredibly proud to share that after two days, the victim was released and has since made a full recovery.
This incident represents the very best of public safety—teamwork, determination, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives. We are incredibly proud of all agencies and personnel involved and grateful for their dedication to the citizens of Jackson. ... See MoreSee Less
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Safety first! Practice makes progress when it comes to keeping your family safe. 🏠🔥
Does your family have a plan? It’s not enough to just talk about it—you have to practice it at least twice a year so everyone knows exactly what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.
Here is the 3-step breakdown to teach your kids:
🚪 PLAN A: The Front Door
Your first choice is always the quickest way out. If the path is clear, head straight for the door and meet at your family's designated meeting spot outside.
PLAN B: The Window
If the hallway is blocked or full of smoke, don’t go through it. Use your secondary exit—a window. Make sure everyone knows how to unlock and open them!
🛡️ PLAN C: Shelter in Place
If you can’t get out a door or a window safely, you must defend your space:
Close the door and seal the cracks with towels or clothing to keep smoke out.
Stay near a window so rescuers can see you.
NEVER hide under beds or in closets. Firefighters need to be able to find you quickly.
Signal for help: Call 9-1-1 and wave a flashlight or a bright cloth at the window.
Action Item:Set a timer this weekend and run a "surprise" drill. It only takes five minutes, but it could save a life.
#FireSafety #FamilySafety #HomeEscapePlan #SafetyFirst #ParentingTips #PracticeYourPlan ... See MoreSee Less
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