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
When sirens echo across our streets, they mark the moments when ordinary people are having their hardest days—and extraordinary people step in to help.
This National First Responders Day, we want to give a special salute to the men and women of the Jackson Fire Department. Whether rolling out of the station in the dead of night, battling smoke and heat, or providing critical aid at a scene, the JFD shows up for Jackson with steady courage, professionalism, and heart.
Behind every successful call is an entire chain of dedicated professionals. We also extend our deepest thanks to our local dispatchers, Jackson Central Dispatch Police, Fire & 911 who answer the first frantic rings, EMS, Medical Center EMS, who deliver lifesaving care on the move, and the law enforcement officers, City of Jackson, TN - Police Department, who secure the scene and protect our neighborhoods.
To the Jackson Fire Department and every first responder standing watch across our community: thank you for answering the call, facing the heat, and keeping Jackson safe day in and day out. We see your dedication, and we are profoundly grateful. ... See MoreSee Less
24 CommentsComment on Facebook
Reduce your fire risk.
Clean your dryer lint trap after each use and have your dryer vent a duct cleaned annually. ... See MoreSee Less
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Yesterday afternoon, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Jackson Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire. 🚒
Engine 22 and Rescue 2, A Shift, arrived on scene within three minutes of dispatch, with additional crews arriving shortly after. Thanks to the quick response and coordinated efforts of our firefighters, the fire was extinguished quickly, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
Fire safety starts at home! 🏠🔥
Take a few minutes today to help protect your family:
🚨 Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level and inside every bedroom.
🚪 Sleep with bedroom doors closed to help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
🪟 Create and practice a home fire escape plan so everyone knows two ways out and where to meet outside.
Fire moves fast. A little preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow. Make sure your family is ready before an emergency happens! ... See MoreSee Less
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
Jackson Fire Department is offering an EMS Refresher Course.
Attendees will gain the required hours to renew their State of TN Medical License.
Dates: November 16th-18th, 0800-1700 hrs each day
EMR: Finished day the end of Day 1
EMT: Finished by the end of Day 2
AEMT: Finished by noon on Day 3
Paramedic: Finished by the end of Day 3
Attendees must be present for all consecutive days according to their license level. No partial credit will be awarded. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
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Sparky isn’t just fighting fires this October—he’s fighting for a cure! 🚒💗
We’re in the final stretch of our Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser, and we have only 25 shirts left. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Here’s what’s left in the inventory:
Short Sleeve ($25–$27):
Large ($25) – 5 left
XL ($25) – 14 left
2XL ($27) – 2 left
3XL ($27) – 1 left
Long Sleeve ($30):
XL ($30) – 3 left
Claim yours online before your size sells out:
👉 Purchase Shirt Here: form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/west-tennessee-healthcare/jacksonfiredeptbreastcancer
Prefer to buy in person? Swing by Fire Admin at 720 S. Highland Ave. to grab yours!
Help us crush our goal and support a great cause—snag yours today! 🔥 Pink shirts, warm heart, can’t lose. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Don't forget to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a month!
Thank you Performance Heating and Cooling, Inc for including the Jackson Fire Department and spreading these important safety tips. ... See MoreSee Less
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A huge thank you to Andrew Jackson Elementary School for having us out to talk about fire safety! 🚒🔥
Our crew had a wonderful time teaching the students about why firefighters are their friends and how they can stay safe. A special shoutout to the amazing Engine 52 crew for helping make this visit such a success! We love connecting with our community and inspiring our youngest learners.
#firesafety #communityfirst #FirefightersAreFriends #engine52 #jacksontn ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Express your support in style! 👚 We still have 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness shirts available. Get yours today and help us bust breast cancer! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook