JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan announced on Monday afternoon that Percy Golden will become the new fire chief for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
Golden, who is no stranger to Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, has served with the department for 21 years and is currently the Deputy Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness.
“Excited ready to lead this department. Ready to lead the men and women of JFRD and take this to the next level,” Golden said.
He steps into the role as Fire Chief at a time of continued growth for Jacksonville, and mounting pressure on first responders.
The selection will now be subject to confirmation by the city council.
It began with 17 names and was eventually whittled down to these five candidates:
- Damian Bell
- Jake Blanton
- Percy Golden
- Darin Hooten
- Willie King
These candidates interviewed with the mayor over the past few days, and one of them will replace the current chief, Keith Powers, who announced his retirement in early May.
Once Golden’s pick is confirmed by the city council, he will become the Director of Fire and Rescue, a title which includes reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and taking over the responsibility for managing the operation and control of fire and rescue services.
Golden’s family was in attendance for the special moment. He shared that it was his father, Percy Golden, who led him to his “calling.”
“As a young boy, I saw the pride in his eyes when he talked about his crew,” Golden said. “I saw the sacrifices he made without complaint. And I saw what it mean to live a life of service.”
Golden’s dad was also a part of JFRD and sat in the front row as he watched his son take the next step in his career.
“It was hard for me to hold a tear back,” his father told News4JAX. “It means the world to me as a father, following in my footsteps in the fire service and career serving the citizens of Jacksonville. It’s our passion.”
The full video announcing Golden’s selection can be seen below.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters also congratulated Golden on his new position.
I congratulate Chief Golden on his appointment by Mayor Deegan as the new leader of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. JSO and JFRD have long enjoyed a close working partnership, and I look forward to broadening our agencies’ collaboration in the future so that, together, we can better serve Jacksonville’s citizens.
I am incredibly grateful for my friend Chief Keith Powers and the contributions he has made to public safety in our city during his tenure. I wish him the very best in his retirement.
I am excited for the future of JFRD under the leadership of Chief Percy Golden Jr. His dedication to public service, our city, and collaboration with agencies like ours makes him a stellar choice for this important role.
JFRD will continue to be in good hands. Congratulations to both Chief Powers and Chief Golden.
Sheriff T.K. Waters
