JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Chief Kevin Jones, who joined the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in 1991, retired from his post as the city’s fire marshal on Friday, according to a release from the City of Jacksonville.

Jones, who led JFRD’s Fire Prevention Division, began his career as a firefighter and later became fire district chief before his appointment to division chief in 2013.

“Since 1991, Chief Jones has dedicated his life to serving the citizens of Jacksonville,” said JFRD Chief Keith Powers. “He has served under three mayoral administrations as the city’s Fire Marshal. This is a testament to the knowledge and dedication Chief Jones brought to work every day. 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.”

Deputy Division Chief of Fire Prevention Allen Mason, who joined the department in 2004, was promoted to division chief and will serve as the city’s new fire marshal.

Mason’s appointment to deputy division chief in 2023 was part of the city’s efforts to create mentorship opportunities for succession planning.

Fire Prevention Captain Damian Bell, who also joined the department in 2004, was promoted to deputy division chief of fire prevention. 

“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,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “It speaks to the training and mentoring opportunities within JFRD, as well as their commitment to the department and our city. 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.”