Today, Mayor Donna Deegan announced the next Chief and Deputy Chief of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) after an open and transparent selection process over six weeks. The process included 17 qualified candidates, five talented finalists who went through multiple rounds of interviews, and valuable input from past Fire Chiefs, JFRD leaders, and the rank and file.
Emergency Preparedness Division Deputy Chief Percy Golden II will serve as the next Chief of JFRD. He has served for 21 years in a variety of leadership roles. Over the last five years, he has played a leading role at the Emergency Operations Center shepherding Jacksonville through major crises – from the COVID-19 pandemic to multiple hurricanes.
Rescue Division Chief Jake Blanton will serve as the next Deputy Chief of JFRD. He has 30 years of experience with the department, including two decades leading large teams.
“It’s with great pride that I’m appointing Percy Golden II to be the next Chief of JFRD,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “He will bring creative and innovative thinking, a strong focus on JFRD’s young workforce, and a deep love for Jacksonville to the role. I’m excited to work with him and ensure JFRD continues to be the best fire department in the country.”
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mayor Deegan for the confidence and trust that she has placed in me to lead this department,” said JFRD Chief Percy Golden II. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and fully committed to serving this city with the same passion and dedication that has defined JFRD for generations.”
Mayor Deegan and Chief Golden also announced the following leadership updates:
- Willie King, Manager of Strategic Initiatives
- Dallas Cooke, Chief of Rescue
- James Schaudel, Deputy Chief of Emergency Preparedness
- Terrance Holmes, Deputy Chief of Fire Operations
- Chris Scott, Deputy Chief of Admin Services