On Friday, the Sheriff’s Office detailed the incident, which unfolded in the LaVilla neighborhood on December 29, 2025. It all began when an officer noticed unusual green paint splatters on his patrol car. Another local driver soon reported similar markings on their vehicle, raising suspicions among the responding officers.

Upon investigating the scene, law enforcement officers found green paint traces along the road, deducing that the paint was shot from “a high-velocity launcher at an elevated location.” This discovery led them to a nearby fire station located at the intersection of North Jefferson Street and West Duval Street.

There, the officers encountered several firefighters who revealed that the incident was part of an ongoing “prank war” among fire stations. This revelation has been cited by the sheriff’s office as a potential motive behind the mischievous acts.

Officers say that they “quickly” noticed firefighters entering a firestation on North Jefferson Street and West Duval Street. Upon being interviewed, the firemen stated that there was an “ongoing ‘prank war’ between fire stations,” which the sheriff’s office describes as a possible cause of the incident.

Upon investigating the fire station, JSO claims that 14 red and green paintballs were found on the roof of the fire station, as well as recently washed paintball shells.

JSO says that on Thursday, January 22, the four firefighters were identified and warrants for their arrests were obtained. They were arrested on Friday and booked into the Duval County Jail shortly afterwards.

According to JSO, the firefighters have since been reassigned to “administrative duties” pending an internal JFRD investigation.

“JSO maintains a strong public safety partnership with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department,” JSO states. “This incident does not change our commitment to protecting the citizens and visitors of Jacksonville.”

JFRD has released the following statement:

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested four Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel this afternoon on misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief following an investigation into personnel misconduct while on duty.

The four individuals, have been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal JFRD investigation.  

JFRD was made aware of the allegations by the JSO on December 29, 2025, and has fully cooperated with its investigation into this incident.

This incident will have no impact on public safety or JFRD operations. The station where this occurred remains fully staffed with qualified personnel.

We value the trust the community places in our department as first responders, and we are committed to the highest standards of conduct and accountability. JFRD holds all personnel to these standards. This matter involves four individuals and does not reflect the professionalism and dedication of the 1,900 firefighters who serve Jacksonville with pride.