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 had the opportunity to attend three Back-to-School events across our community today! 📚🚒
A big thank you to Arlington Elementary, Boost Mobile, and Youth Villages for inviting us to be part of your events and giving us the chance to connect with so many families.
Crews from Rescue 2, Engine 22, and Station 5 had a fantastic time meeting Jackson’s citizens, sharing fire safety information, and helping everyone kick off the new school year. We appreciate everyone who stopped by to say hello—we’re proud to serve such an amazing community!
We hope everyone has a safe and successful school year! 🍎✏️ ... See MoreSee Less
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The Jackson Police Department hosted a Public Information Officer course July 28-30, 2026. This course, facilitated by University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center, taught local Public Information Officers from the City of Jackson and surrounding areas.
This valuable course taught leaders the mechanics of working with local and national media during times of crises in our communities as well as providing safety and information updates for those communities.
Pictured: City of Jackson, TN - Government Communications Director Kenneth Cummings
JPD Major Danielle Jones
JPD Sgt. Joey Williams
City of Jackson, TN - Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Specialists Melissa Nelson and Duane Seals ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
This is our why!!!
Eight months ago, the Jackson Fire Department responded to a serious automobile accident involving a grandmother, aunt, mother, and 4-year-old Naomi. Three members of the family suffered severe injuries, including sweet Naomi, who sustained 14 skull fractures.
Seeing Naomi smiling, recovering, and sharing such a special, unbreakable bond with FF/Paramedic Crozier (her rescuer) reminds every single one of us why we do what we do.
Thank you to Naomi’s family for coming by and sharing your journey with our recruits. You’ve inspired the next generation of responders and we pray for continued healing!
#JacksonFireDepartment #CommunityFirst #WhyWeServe #FirstResponders #HealingAndHope #Reunion ... See MoreSee Less
15 CommentsComment on Facebook
Sparky had a great time hanging out at the fire station with two special friends Lily Padd and Mr. Froggy! 🧯🐸💙
Thanks for stopping by, learning about fire safety, and making the day even more fun. We loved having you visit and can’t wait to see you again!
#FireSafety #Sparky #CommunityFirst #JacksonFireDepartment ... See MoreSee Less
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Jackson Firefighters Rescue Two Occupants in Apartment Fire
This evening around 7:00 PM, firefighters from Stations 2 and 5 responded to a report of a fire at the Village Apartments on Old Hickory.
First-arriving crews encountered a fire in a four-unit building and immediately initiated search, rescue, and fire suppression efforts. Firefighters located two occupants trapped on the second floor of an adjacent apartment and safely rescued them through a second-story window.
Thanks to aggressive tactical work, the fire was quickly brought under control and confined to the apartment of origin, preventing severe damage to neighboring units.
Key Takeaways from Tonight's Incident:
Working Smoke Alarms: A functioning smoke alarm alerted the occupants to the danger, giving firefighters the critical time needed to perform the rescue.
Responder Care: One firefighter was treated on scene by JFD Paramedics for a minor injury.
We extend our gratitude to the firefighters of Stations 2 and 5 for their courage and rapid response. Please take a moment today to test your own smoke alarms and review your family’s home fire escape plan. ... See MoreSee Less
21 CommentsComment on Facebook
We wrapped up the final day of our recruit academy with high-angle rescue and rope operations training! 🧗♂️🔥
Recruits put their skills to the test as they tackled rappelling from our training tower, building the confidence, discipline, and technical expertise needed to perform safely in challenging rescue situations.
From the classroom to the tower, these recruits have demonstrated the dedication and determination it takes to serve our community. Congratulations on finishing strong—we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this outstanding group! 🚒💪 ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please pray for the safety of all TN Task Force-1 members as they deploy to Texas to assist with rescue efforts due the major flooding.🚨Tennessee Task Force 1 Activated for Deployment to Texas! ... See MoreSee Less
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Testing your smoke alarms should not be as rare as a black bear sighting. ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook