Chief Kevin Jones, who has served as Jacksonville’s Fire Marshall and led the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Fire Prevention Division, is retiring after more than 30 years with the department. His last day with JFRD is Friday, January 3, 2025.
Chief Jones, a graduate of the University of North Florida, joined JFRD in 1991 and progressed through the ranks, from firefighter to fire district chief, before being appointed Division Chief in July 2013. His role as Fire Marshall marks the culmination of over 22 years of expertise in applying state fire codes.
“Since 1991, Chief Jones has dedicated his life to serving the citizens of Jacksonville. He has served under three mayoral administrations as the city’s Fire Marshall. This is a testament to the knowledge and dedication Chief Jones brought to work every day,” said JFRD Chief Keith Powers. “His knowledge of the fire code is unmatched and on January 3, JFRD and this city will be losing a very valuable asset. We wish Kevin the best in retirement and thank him for his service to the City of Jacksonville.”
In a planned leadership transition, Deputy Division Chief of Fire Prevention Allen Mason will be promoted to Division Chief and serve as Fire Marshall. Mason, who joined JFRD in 2004, has worked his way up through the department and has recently trained under Chief Jones.
Chief Mason is known for his innovative thinking and collaborative approach across both internal departments and external agencies. As one of the first in JFRD to receive a Lean Initiative Green Belt, his project identified efficiencies that enabled the department to conduct more inspections without additional resources.
“Allen Mason is an innovative thinker who works collaboratively across internal departments and external agencies. As one of the first individuals in JFRD to receive a Lean Initiative Green Belt, his Lean project found efficiencies to conduct more inspections with the same number of staff and no additional resources,” said Chief Powers.
Fire Prevention Captain Damian Bell will also see a promotion, moving to Deputy Division Chief of Fire Prevention. Bell, who has been with JFRD since 2004, has focused on fire safety inspections, fire prevention, public education, and training.
“I am grateful to Chief Jones for his many years of service, and to Chief Mason and Captain Bell for stepping up to lead the Fire Prevention Division. It speaks to the training and mentoring opportunities within JFRD, as well as their commitment to the department and our city,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “It has been our goal to provide career pathways and leadership opportunities for diverse talent within JFRD. Today’s announcement is another example of our efforts to promote rising stars to lead the best fire department in the country.”
These leadership changes will go into effect on January 4, 2025.
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