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
The Jackson Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of Retired Fire Chief Max Stewart. Chief Stewart passed away earlier this morning. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Jackson Fire will provide more information when arrangements are completed. ... See MoreSee Less
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Pre- sale is ending soon. Be sure to get your orders in before Friday, September 18.
Order link: form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/west-tennessee-healthcare/jacksonfiredeptbreastcancer?utm_...🎀 Our Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirts are BACK! 🎀
Sales are officially OPEN! Show your support while helping us make a difference in our community. 💗🚒
👉 Scan the QR code or use the link in the comments to place your order!
Thank you for supporting the Jackson Fire Department and this important cause! 💕 ... See MoreSee Less
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Jackson, TN Business Leaders: Reach 20,000+ Potential Customers as an Exclusive Partner.
The Jackson Fire Department is seeking one business for the premier 'Chief’s Circle' sponsorship of our 2nd Annual Fire Prevention Week Truck-or-Treat. This is an exclusive opportunity to maximize your brand's reach and community goodwill.
Opening remarks opportunity at the event.
Media and broadcast exposure reaching over 20,000 people.
A private Sparky the Fire Dog appearance at your chosen event.
Showcase your commitment to community safety and growth. The application deadline is September 18.
📞 Direct all serious inquiries to Melissa Nelson: (731) 513-0711.
#JacksonTN #BusinessPartnership #FirePreventionWeek #CommunitySponsorship #B2BMarketing #CorporateResponsibility #ExclusiveOpportunity ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒🎉 Sparky had a parade-worthy day! 🎉🚒
Sparky and our Public Education Engine had a fantastic time rolling into Arlington Elementary for their Grandparent’s Day Parade! ❤️👵👴
We loved seeing all the smiling faces, waving hands, and proud grandparents celebrating this special day. What a fun way to make memories—and we’re always happy to bring a little firehouse fun along for the ride! 🧑🚒🔥
Thanks for letting Jackson Fire be part of the celebration, Arlington Elementary! ❤️🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
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Twenty-five years later, we remember.
For firefighters and first responders, September 11, 2001, is more than a date in history. It is a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of those who ran toward danger when others were running away.
We remember the 343 firefighters, the 23 NYPD officers, the 37 Port Authority officers, and the countless other first responders and civilians whose lives were forever changed that day.
Their sacrifice did not end on September 11. Their families carried it home. Their brothers and sisters in the fire service carried it forward. And their legacy continues every time a first responder answers the call.
Today, 25 years later, we honor those who gave everything—and those who continue to live with the weight of that day.
Listen as Jackson Fire Department Firefighter Christopher Hansen Padilla shares a piece he wrote in remembrance of September 11.
We remember. We honor. We will NEVER FORGET. 🇺🇸🚒
#neverforget #PatriotsDay #343 #jacksontnfire ... See MoreSee Less
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Today, we honored the fallen. 🇺🇸
The Patriots Day Stair Climb brought us together for a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude as we climbed in honor of the 343 firefighters and all those who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.
Every step carried a name. Every floor represented a life. And every person who climbed helped ensure that their sacrifice—and the sacrifices of so many first responders—will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out, climbed, supported, remembered, and stood alongside us today. Your presence reminds us that while 25 years have passed, the impact of that day remains—and so does our commitment to remember.
A very special THANK YOU to our sponsors and community partners who helped make our 4th Annual Patriots Day Stair Climb possible:
🇺🇸 Town & Country Realtors – The Katie Hale Team
🇺🇸 Allied Hose and Belting Co.
🇺🇸 Gospel Light Baptist Church
Community Contributors:
• Allegra Printing
• Coca-Cola
• Lamar
• JEA
• City of Jackson
• Jackson Rockabilly’s
• Jackson Parks & Recreation
• South Community Center
• Community Foundation
And a special shoutout to Madison Haywood for joining us and bringing some extra fun to the day during our cornhole competition! ❤️
Today, we climbed for those who never made it home.
We climbed for the families who were left behind.
We climbed for the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service.
And we climbed to remember.
25 years later. We remember. We honor. We will NEVER FORGET. 🇺🇸🪜🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
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On a day when we pause to remember the lives lost, the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the courage shown in the face of unimaginable tragedy, gestures of kindness mean even more. ❤️🇺🇸
Jackson Fire extends a huge THANK YOU to Cash Express for stopping by and bringing our crews cupcakes in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Your thoughtfulness means so much as we remember the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the lasting sacrifice of September 11, 2001.
Thank you for remembering with us. Never Forget. 🇺🇸🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
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Time is running out to claim your seat. Registration ends tomorrow, Sept. 11, 2026.
Register today by emailing Bob Fluck at robertfluck@jacksontn.gov.💙 STRONG FAMILIES. STRONG FIRST RESPONDERS. ❤️
The job doesn’t stay at work. The challenges, stress, and experiences of being a first responder can impact the whole family—and that’s why we’re bringing you Thriving at Home: A First Responder Couples Workshop.
This workshop is designed specifically for first responders and their spouses/significant others and provides practical tools to strengthen communication, navigate the unique stresses of the job, and build a stronger relationship—together.
👮♂️ Police | 🚒 Fire
❤️ First Responders + Their Spouses/Significant Others
This is a private workshop exclusively for first responder families—not a public event.
Seats are limited, so eligible couples are encouraged to reserve their spot early.
Because behind every strong first responder is a strong family. ❤️
#ThrivingAtHome #FirstResponderFamilies #StrongFamilies #FirstResponders #JacksonFireDepartment #JacksonPoliceDepartment ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒 Truck-or-Treat with the Jackson Fire Department! 🎃🍬
Help us kick off FIRE PREVENTION WEEK by bringing the family out for a safe, fun, and SPOOK-tacular afternoon with your local firefighters! Kids can dress up in their favorite costumes, explore real fire trucks, meet our crew, and collect plenty of sweet treats.
📅 When: October 3rd | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Where: JFD Admin./Training Center, 720 S. Highland Ave.
🎟️ Admission: Free & open to everyone!
Throw on your best costume, bring your trick-or-treat bags, and come hang out with us. Tag your friends, share the flyer, and let’s make the 2nd Annual Truck-or-Treat the biggest one yet! See you there! 👻🚒✨
#JacksonFireDepartment #TruckOrTreat #JacksonTN #CommunityFirst #FamilyFun #HalloweenFun #FirePreventionWeek #firepreventionweek2026 ... See MoreSee Less
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