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
🚒🍬 A HUGE thank you to Mars Snacking! 🍬🚒
We are so grateful for your generous donation in support of our upcoming 2nd Annual Fire Prevention Week Truck-or-Treat! Your support helps us make this community event possible—and a whole lot sweeter! ❤️
🎃 Want to help make Truck-or-Treat a success?
🤝 Sponsorships are still available until this Friday, September 18! Businesses and community partners interested in sponsoring the event can contact us for details.
🍭 Candy donations are also being accepted through October 1st! If you’d like to donate candy for the event, we’d love to have your help.
For sponsorship information or candy donation details, contact Melissa Nelson at 731-513-0711.
Thank you to all of our amazing community partners for helping us make fire safety fun for our youngest firefighters! 🚒👨🚒👩🚒🎃 ... See MoreSee Less
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Services for retired Fire Chief Maxie Stewart will be held this Friday, September 18th, at George A. Smith & Sons North Chapel. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed immediately by a memorial service at 1:00 PM. ... See MoreSee Less
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🎃 Trunk-or-Treat Vendor Call! 🚒
We’re gearing up for our 2nd Annual Fire Prevention Week Trunk-or-Treat, and we want YOU to be a part of it!
This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your business or organization into the spotlight and connect directly with local families.
📅 When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Where: 720 S. Highland Ave., Jackson, TN
Why join us as a trunk?
✨ Maximize local visibility
🤝 Build community connections
👨👩👧👦 High family engagement
Don’t miss out—grab your spot today and help us make this year’s event our best one yet!
👇 Interested? Check out the flyer details and send us a message or comment below to register your trunk! ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒🍬 A HUGE thank you to Jackson Coca-Cola! 🍬🚒
We are so grateful for your generous donation in support of our upcoming 2nd Annual Fire Prevention Week Truck-or-Treat! Your support helps us make this community event possible—and a whole lot sweeter! ❤️
🎃 Want to help make Truck-or-Treat a success?
🤝 Sponsorships are still available! Businesses and community partners interested in sponsoring the event can contact us for details.
🍭 Candy donations are also being accepted through October 1st! If you’d like to donate candy for the event, we’d love to have your help.
For sponsorship information or candy donation details, contact Melissa Nelson at 731-513-0711.
Thank you to all of our amazing community partners for helping us make fire safety fun for our youngest firefighters! 🚒👨🚒👩🚒🎃 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎀 We’re putting the “BUST” in Breast Cancer Awareness! 🚒💗
Our 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirts are officially up for grabs—and these shirts are smokin’ hot! 🔥🎀
Help Jackson Fire Department fight fire AND fight breast cancer by rocking your pink and showing your support for an important cause. 💗
⏰ PRE-SALES END THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18!
Don’t wait until the last alarm bell rings! 🚨
👉 Order yours here:
form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/west-tennessee-healthcare/jacksonfiredeptbreastcancer
Wear it proud. Wear it pink. And let’s show breast cancer who’s boss! 💗🎀🚒 ... See MoreSee Less
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We are extremely proud to announce that Jackson Fire Department Firefighter William Zabriskie has been named the 2026 State of Tennessee Firefighter of the Year! Presented by Training Division Chief J. David Dorris II on behalf of the Tennessee Firemen’s Association and in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal's Office, this prestigious statewide award honors exceptional dedication, service, and achievement across Tennessee.
Since joining JFD in 2018, Firefighter Zabriskie has defined "service before self", spending his personal off-duty hours mentoring recruits, building custom training tools for forcible entry and advanced laddering, and serving on the JFD Strategy and Tactics Committee to refine life-saving procedures. His expertise also extends statewide as a part-time Fire Service Instructor with the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy, where he helps train the next generation of responders.
Firefighter Zabriskie’s extraordinary commitment to service culminated in heroic action on January 2, 2026, when JFD responded to a well involved residential structure fire. With extreme heat and zero visibility blocking the upper floor, Firefighters learned a victim was trapped on the second-floor of the home as 911 dispatch audio captured the victim's fading breath. Zabriskie and fellow firefighters pushed through severe smoke and thermal conditions, after several minutes Zabriskie located the unconscious occupant in an obscured closet. He continued to isolate the victim from the advancing flames, and successfully guided others to the victim's location. The team of firefighters extricated the victim from the burning residence and after spending time in the ICU, the victim was released and has since returned to normal life. Please join us in celebrating Firefighter William Zabriskie for earning this state recognition and for his unwavering service to our community! ... See MoreSee Less
40 CommentsComment on Facebook
UPDATE: Services for retired Fire Chief Maxie Stewart will be held this Friday, September 18th, at George A. Smith & Sons North Chapel. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed immediately by a memorial service at 1:00 PM.
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
147 CommentsComment on Facebook
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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