555 S. West St.
Jackson, MS 39201
601-960-1392
The Jackson Fire Department protects residents and visitors through decisive fire suppression, proactive life safety services, community-focused education, thorough prevention inspections, and strategic pre-emergency planning—ensuring a safer, more resilient Jackson every day.
The Jackson Fire Department provides Fire and Life Safety Services to the citizens and visitors of Jackson by implementing aggressive fire suppression, community-based fire safety programs, comprehensive prevention inspections, and pre-emergency planning.
The Jackson Fire Department strives to be the best in new technology, updated equipment (clothing, turnout gear, new fire apparatus), training and fire protection/safety programs. Also, we are on the path to be fully staffed by the end of 2019 which will help to retain our class 3 fire rating and move toward a class 2 rating.
The Mission of the Community Relations and Fire Safety Education is to educate all citizens and visitors of Jackson, Mississippi on saving lives and property from fires and how to prepare for natural disasters. This is accomplished by hands on training in schools, churches, neighborhood associations, civic organizations and health fairs. The program provides free hand-out informational pamphlets, free smoke alarms and other safety material for educating the public. The Fire Safety House is a tool used for training small children as well as adults on all phases of home protection and fire evacuation. The Fire Museum is used to teach people the history of the Jackson Fire Department and educate them on the advancement of the fire equipment and fire apparatuses.
The mission of the Jackson Fire Investigation Division is to provide quality service, and to be factual and professional at all time as it relates to Fire Investigations.
At the Jackson Fire Department’s Training Division, our unwavering commitment is to become the unparalleled beacon of excellence, and the epitome of proactive leadership in fire training and safety for the Jackson Fire Department and our community.
We strive to be the guiding force that propels our firefighters to the pinnacle of their potential, consistently setting new industry standards in fire training, and cultivating a culture of unwavering safety, resilience, and innovation. With dedication and passion, we lead the way towards a safer and stronger Jackson, tirelessly equipping our first responders to face every challenge and protect our community with unmatched expertise and unwavering courage.
The leader of the Jackson Fire Department is RaSean O. Thomas. He has served for over 25 years with the department. He was born and raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi. He attended Piney Woods School where he graduated in 1997. He also attended Hinds Community College, Liberty University and Newburgh Theological Seminary where he graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Theology in 2022.
He brings many technical skills to the position including; Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor, Mississippi Highway Watch Training, Adult Defense Driving Class, First Aid & CPR, and Vehicle Fires & Extrications. With a host of other leadership skills and training.
Chief Thomas has many accomplishments before becoming the fire chief. He served at Hinds Community College as the Campus Police Chief in 2022, U.S. Marine Corp in 1997. He also served as the IAFF Local 87 Union President for 8 years advocating for labor rights for all firefighters. He is married with two children and stands strongly on his Christians beliefs. Chief Thomas states that his top priority is the health and safety of our firefighters and citizens of Jackson, MS. He leads with honor courage and commitment.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Assistant Chief William Denham has served the Jackson Fire Department with distinction since 1993. With over 30 years of experience in firefighting and leadership, he brings deep knowledge, commitment, and a strong sense of duty to his role.
Public service runs in Chief Denham’s blood—his father proudly served with the Jackson Fire Department for over 30 years, inspiring him to follow in his footsteps. Growing up in South Jackson, he developed a deep connection to the community he now helps protect and serve.
Chief Denham holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Mississippi College, equipping him with the skills to support both the operational and administrative needs of the department. His leadership is marked by professionalism, integrity, and a passion for public safety.
He has been married to his wife, Nancy Denham, for 25 years, and they have two children. In addition to his work with the department, he remains active in community life and is dedicated to the continued growth and safety of Jackson.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Eric D. Gibbs has dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community through the fire service. Born and raised in Flora, Mississippi, Gibbs developed a passion for firefighting at an early age and committed himself to achieving his childhood dream.
He began his career with the Jackson Fire Department in December 2000 as a Firefighter I, where he quickly demonstrated his strong work ethic, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to public safety. Over the years, Gibbs steadily advanced through the ranks, taking on greater responsibilities and becoming a respected leader among his peers.
In 2025, after 25 years of distinguished service, Eric D. Gibbs was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief of the Jackson Fire Department. In this role, he continues to uphold the department’s mission of safeguarding the lives and property of Jackson’s residents, while mentoring the next generation of firefighters.
Deputy Chief Gibbs is widely admired for his integrity, professionalism, and deep commitment to his community. His journey from a young boy with a dream to a top-ranking leader in the fire service serves as an inspiration to all who know him.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Shunta’ Wilder is a devoted Deputy Chief with over 26 years of service in the fire department. Holding a degree in Fire Science, she leads with integrity, resilience, and purpose-grounded in her unwavering faith in God. Shunta’ is passionate about inspiring others through her commitment to prayer, teamwork, and personal growth. She is actively involved in her church and youth ministry, using her life and leadership to make a lasting impact.
Shunta’ thanks God for every step of her journey in the fire service. Being the first woman to hold the rank of Deputy Chief is truly a blessing, and she remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.
She is blessed to share her journey with her wonderful husband of 21 years, Yusef Wilder. A loving stepmother and proud grandmother to two beautiful boys. Shunta’ finds strength in her family and joy in walking life’s journey alongside her identical twin sister and best friend.
She wears many meaningful titles-daughter, sister, aunt, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law- and treasures each one. Surrounded by a strong, supportive natural family as well as her spiritual family, Shunta’ continues to walk in her calling with humility, purpose, and faith.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
My name is Antonio Ross and I am currently serving as a Division Chief of the Emergency Service Division at the Jackson Fire Department. I was born and raised in Vicksburg, Miss., and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1995. I started my firefighter career in December 2002 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a relief driver operator. Several years later, I was promoted to Lieutenant and then to Captain. I have been fortunate to serve the City of Jackson Fire Department for the past 23 years. I have been married to my loving wife (Tamesha Ross) for 21 years and have two daughters and one son.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Hailing from Raymond, Mississippi, Division Chief Mark Joiner has built a life defined by service, leadership, and unwavering commitment. A proud graduate of Raymond High School, where team sports instilled discipline and teamwork, he went on to earn an associate’s degree from Hinds Community College and a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Arizona.
With 23 years of dedicated service to the Jackson Fire Department, Chief Joiner has risen through the ranks with courage, integrity, and an unshakable dedication to protecting others. As Division Chief of Emergency Services, he leads with experience, compassion, and a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to his community.
Chief Joiner is also a licensed educator in the state of Mississippi, committed to mentoring and empowering the next generation of public servants. He has been married for 30 years and is a proud father of four and grandfather to five.
In his downtime, he finds joy in golfing and grilling—reminders of balance and the importance of family. His leadership is not just about title or tenure; it is the culmination of a life spent serving others, both in crisis and in calm, with steadfast purpose and heart.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Born and raised in Jackson, MS, Chief Robert Elbert Jr. is Division Chief in the Emergency Services Division. I was born October 2nd 1980 to Robert and Mary Elbert. I graduated from Lanier High School in 1999. I started my career in the fire service December 2002 and has been serving the community for over 23 years. My career has been very rewarding and I enjoy helping people and has been awarded a star of life and firefighter of the year in previous years. I have obtained many certifications like Rope Rescue, Hazmat “EMT Certification” and many others. I share my life with my wife Centeria Elbert for over 15 years and share five children which one is a Jackson Firefighter also (Robert Elbert III).
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Jimmie Epps is currently serving as a Division Chief of the Training Safety Research and Development Division. Chief Epps is a native of Jackson, MS. He is a 21-year veteran of the Jackson Fire Department. He served on Rescue 14, Truck 14, Rescue 11, Engine 15 and Truck 28. Shortly after completing his first 12 years in the Emergency Service Division (ESD) he became the Emergency Service Coordinator where he taught EMS, First Responder and CPR classes. He is also a certified CPR Instructor, Fire Instructor, Haz-Mat Technician, and EMT. Chief enjoys quiet time outdoors, reading, physical fitness, music and teaching. He has been married to his adorable wife for over 24 years, and they have three awesome sons.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Chief Holmes currently serves as the Chief of the Fire Marshal Office. He is a 27-year veteran, who began his fire service career with the Jackson Fire Department in 1998. Chief Holmes is a graduate of Provine High School and attended Hinds Community in Raymond, Ms. Chief Holmes has been able to expand his career through varies ranks of the fire department and has served in the following roles: Firefighter II, Relief Driver Operator, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, Deputy Fire Marshal, and Chief of the Fire Marshal Office and Deputy Fire of Emergency Service Division. Throughout his fire service career, Chief Holmes has advanced in expanding his education development, building his knowledge and skill sets through training and leadership courses, where he has received numerous certificates.
As Chief of the Fire Marshal Office, Chief Holmes coordinated with the City Prosecutor and the Attorney General’s Office in issuing citations and summons for fire code violations, thus holding violators accountable through the Municipal Court system, which he was recognized for his outstanding dedication in ensuring fire policies and regulations are respected for the safety of communities.
Recently, Chief Holmes assisted the Fire Administration with collaborating with the City of Jackson Finance Department in securing funding to grant all sworn firefighters a thirty percent raise across the board, which was an impressive accomplishment for the department.
Chief Holmes ascertains that “developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything he does” both professionally and personally. The foundation of building and forming strong relationships is for more improved and safer communities.
Although, Chief Holmes has a passion for the work he dedicates his time to daily – he also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, and cheering on his favorite NFL Team, the Tennessee Titans – #TitanUP.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
Chief Charles Felton is a product of Jackson Public School, he attended and graduated from Murrah High School in 1991. After High School Charles Felton attended the University of Southern Mississippi.
In July of 1999 Charles Felton started the Jackson Fire Department Training Academy. Charles Felton graduated from the Fire Academy in October of 1999. Charles Felton worked in the Emergency Services Division for 7 years, were he achieved he rank of Lieutenant Driver Operator and was a Hazardous Materials Tech. Charles Felton was transferred to the Arson & Internal Affairs Division in August of 2008, were he immediately attended the 44th Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Class and graduated in November of 2008. Charles Felton achieved the rank of Fire Captain in 2011. Charles Felton has been in the Arson & Internal Affairs Division for approximately 17 years. During these time, Charles Felton has attend continuing education courses and seminars. Charles Felton has investigated approximately 10,000 fires in his career, and has several hundred felony convictions for the crime of Arson.
On July 14, 2025 Charles Felton was promoted to the position of Division Fire Chief of Fire Investigations and Internal Affairs.
RaSean Thomas
Fire Chief
Jackson Fire Department
555 S West St. Jackson, MS 39201
Phone O: 601-960-1392
Phone C: 601-960-1392
555 S. West St.
Jackson, MS 39201
601-960-1392
555 S. West Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Rescue 1 and Engine 1
601-960-2101
333 E. Fortification
Jackson, MS 39201
Engine 3
601-960-2103 / 601-608-7183
1810 N. State Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Engine 5 and Truck 5
601-960-2105 / 601-608-7275
Livingston Park Place
Engine 6
601-960-2106 / 601-608-7303
4265 N. State Street
Jackson, MS 39206
Engine 7
601-960-2107 / 601-767-9074
355 Woodrow Wilson Dr.
Jackson, MS 39201
Engine 10
601-960-2110 / 601-608-7576
3860 Terry Rd.
Jackson, MS 39212
Rescue 11
601-960-2111 / 601-608-7637
2435 McFadden Rd.
Jackson, MS 39204
Engine 12
601-960-2112 / 769-447-3716
3208 Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39209
Rescue 14 and Truck 14
601-960-2114 / 601-608-7668
4943 Clinton Blvd.
Jackson, MS 39209
Engine 15
601-960-2115 / 601-767-9139
1400 Lakeland Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
Engine 16
601-960-2116 / 601-608-7643
1941 Canton Mart
Jackson, MS 39211
Engine 17
601-960-2117 / 601-608-7763
5810 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
Engine 19 and Truck 19
601-960-2119 / 769-447-3858
4445 Medgar Evers
Jackson, MS 39213
Rescue 20 and Truck 20
601-960-2120
5381 Watkins Drive
Jackson, MS 39206
Engine 21
601-960-2121 / 601-608-7311
1590 Lakeshore Drive
Jackson, MS 39212
Engine 22
601-960-2122 / 601-608-7352
2640 Raymond Rd.
Jackson, MS 39212
Rescue 23 and Truck 23
601-960-2123 / 769-447-3853
1240 Wiggins Rd.
Jackson, MS 39209
Engine 24
601-960-2124 / 601-914-2311
4048 N. Siwell Rd.
Jackson, MS 39212
Engine 25
601-960-2125 / 601-767-9075
2223 Flag Chapel Road
Jackson, MS 39209
Engine 26
601-960-2126 / 601-767-9436
611 Terry Rd.
Terry, MS 39170
Engine 28
601-960-2128 / 601-608-7385
911/Public Safety Communications is the emergency dispatch center for the Jackson Fire Department and Jackson Police Department. Communications Officers answer all 9-1-1 emergency and administrative calls, direct connect emergency medical calls to the ambulance service; dispatch Fire and Police calls; and operate the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC).
Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies only. Call the non-emergency number, 601-960-1234 for all other requests. For example Alarms; identity theft; credit card theft. For non-law enforcement and other city information call 3-1-1.
The Office of Fire Investigations is dedicated to providing professional quality investigation services to meet the needs of our community. We will achieve this by creating an atmosphere that encourages innovation, professional development, and diversity. Our values are professionalism, courage, dedication, integrity, and compassion.
The Office of Fire Investigations is comprised of a team of experienced firefighters who are highly trained in fire and arson investigations. Our experienced firefighters serve in the position of a fire investigator and are also sworn law enforcement officers with arresting powers. If a fire’s origin is considered to be accidental, the investigations by our fire investigators are complete and insurance company investigators will take over. If a fire is considered to be the result of the crime of Arson, our fire investigators will keep control of the case until someone is charged with the crime of Arson. All unsolved Arson related cases will remain under investigation indefinitely since the crime of Arson has no statute of limitations.
Arson is a crime that involves a person(s) intentionally burning and damaging property to inflict damage, harm or the opportunity to gain insurance compensation. Investigators of the Jackson Fire Department investigate hundreds of these fires each yearly that are determined to be intentionally set. These types of fires are responsible for a large percentage of the annual fire loss within our city, as a result, affecting everyone within our communities. Burned structures blight our neighborhoods, lowering property values which cause our insurance rates to potentially increase.
Please help us to keep our City of Jackson communities safe in the fight against the crime of Arson.
If you have information concerning these types of fires in our community, you can assist investigators by contacting our office at (601)960-1220. Our dedicated and diligent working Investigators would like to hold the person(s) accountable for committing these types of crimes, but we need the community’s help. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (601)355-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
It is the mission of the Fire Marshal’s Office to prevent and/or reduce the incidence of fire by increasing the awareness and knowledge of the residents and businesses respecting fire safety, and by ensuring compliance with the International Fire Code and applicable ordinances of the City Jackson. This mission will be accomplished through fire prevention education and compliance inspections. We will actively participate with our community, serve as role models, and strive to effectively and efficiently utilize all resources made available, to provide safety and excellent customer service to the citizens of Jackson, Mississippi as well as those who are its visitors.
The Office of the Fire Marshal is a regulatory and enforcement agency of the City of Jackson Fire Department under the directive of the Fire Chief. The Fire Department, along with the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi, has adopted and enforces the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition, and its reference codes and standards. The Office of the Fire Marshal is responsible for fire safety code enforcement and the inspection of all facilities within the City of Jackson (excluding one and two-family dwellings). Fire Inspectors perform on-site inspections of new and existing structures. Inspections of properties occur on a routine and scheduled basis and also upon complaint. Fire Inspectors ensure minimum fire prevention and control standards are being maintained in specific properties.
The office consists of a Division Chief, a Water Supply Officer, three Deputy Fire Marshals, and a secretary. Each inspector has a specific geographical territory. The territories are divided into three districts throughout the city. We continuously strive to work with the building department, business owners, contractors, and other professionals to provide the safest environment for citizens and guests of the City of Jackson.
If you have any questions about fire safety, please feel free to contact our office at (601) 960-2018.
The Fire Marshal’s Office is now online. Please click the link below to access our online permitting center. Here you can request Fire Reports, Fire Inspections, Fireworks Display permits, Carnival and Exhibits permits, as well as Sprinkler, Flow, Flammable Combustible Liquids and Suppression System Test. Please call 601.960.2018.
Must submit an application and MS Minimum Standards Certificate or letter from MS Minimum Standards Board to Personnel Management. Must submit to a complete background investigation which includes a Psychological Examination.
Qualifications: High school diploma or GED certificate. Eighteen (18) years of age or older. Must be a U.S. citizen with no felony convictions or other serious criminal backgrounds. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must complete a training program as determined by the Fire Chief.
Prior to employment, the applicant recommended for employment shall be required to successfully pass a urinalysis and/or blood test to screen for alcohol and/ or drug abuse.
This registration form is for applicants who have been contacted via email by the City of Jackson Personnel Department. If you have not received an invitation by the City of Jackson Personnel Department and would like to apply to the Jackson Fire Department Fire Recruit/ Trainee Position, please click Here
The Mission of the Community Relations and Fire Safety Education is to educate all citizens and visitors of Jackson, Mississippi on saving lives and property from fires and how to prepare for natural disasters. This is accomplished by hands on training in schools, churches, neighborhood associations, civic organizations and health fairs. The program provides free hand-out informational pamphlets, free smoke alarms and other safety material for educating the public. The Fire Safety House is a tool used for training small children as well as adults on all phases of home protection and fire evacuation. The Fire Museum is used to teach people the history of the Jackson Fire Department and educate them on the advancement of the fire equipment and fire apparatuses.
Nearly everyone who lives in, or visits The City of Jackson is positively impacted by The Community Relations and Fire Safety Education Division. Our aim is to physically meet with the general public on a personable one on one level by swapping ideas, information, and being totally accessible to one another. We have numerous parades and other functions in which our fire apparatuses & firefighters participates in. This also shows the public that firefighters are not just about putting out fires, but that we also seek to build understandable bonds throughout the community.
The Community Relations and Fire Safety Education Division is committed to giving the citizens the knowledge and skills needed to prevent the loss of life and property through various avenues. Our services include the assistance of training props, such as fire extinguishers training, fire safety lectures, health fairs, senior fairs, career fairs, civic functions, station visits, bike safety, Learn Not to Burn Program, Remembering When, Mentoring Program, Public Service Announcement and others events. This Division will continue to work hard in reaching all of The City of Jackson residents by being effective in delivering safety and prevention messages.
The Community Relations and Fire Safety Education Division focuses on the act of informing the general public. We offer continuous training in ways to properly control situations that could be hazardous and potentially cause fires from occurring that could cause loss of life, loss of property, and have harming effects to others within the community. This includes the service to perform Smoke Alarm Installation and Residential Fire Safety tips and hand-outs for our citizens. The Smoke Alarm Program is funded and sponsored through American Red Cross & Mississippi Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office.