Collapse concerns emerge following fire at RISE Doro apartments, building to be partially demolished, officials say
As fire crews battle hot spots that keep popping up at the RISE Doro apartments, officials have brought up the possibility of demolition due to collapse concerns at the Downtown apartment complex.
JFRD chief explains why itโs difficult to put the fires out at RISE Doro apartments
Since late Sunday night, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue has been trying to extinguish a fire at the new RISE Doro Apartments on East Adams Street. JFRD Chief Keith Powers said the fire has been difficult to put out because of void spaces in the building during construction.
โWeโre talking about daysโ: JFRD says construction makes massive fire at luxury Downtown apartments difficult to fight
A brand-new apartment building that was still under construction in downtown Jacksonville appears to be a complete loss after a massive blaze that kept more than 100 firefighters working through the night.
โWe stand by our workโ: Builder of Riverside hospital garage says it will help with investigation following collapse
The builder of the parking garage at Ascension St. Vincentโs Riverside hospital that partially collapsed said Wednesday that it stands by its work on the garage and plans to assist in the investigation into what happened.
![2 blocks of Bay Street closed due to โstructural concernsโ in Berkman II demolition](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/wLBmcs_44Ix-xyPNEOlZ95X7N30=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-21-2021/t_2add1c925cf449c2971e2b03d3d25a30_name_thumbnail_Image__2_.jpg)
2 blocks of Bay Street closed due to โstructural concernsโ in Berkman II demolition
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry took to Twitter on Friday night to announce the city has shut down a section of Bay Street and the Riverwalk due to โstructural concernsโ associated with the demolition of downtownโs most notable eyesore.
![Jacksonville mayor, sheriff, fire chief to work as team to find missing persons](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/fQzgtN5q0br72Ziyvx_5NHJP7QQ=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ICMHDFP62ZA5XAVOG3HQ22NMYA.jpg)
Jacksonville mayor, sheriff, fire chief to work as team to find missing persons
Jacksonville leadership is pooling resources for a new program called Missing Endangered Persons Search and Rescue to rapidly deploy personnel and equipment from both departments to search for missing children and adults.
![City fires Jacksonville firefighter accused of making advances toward minor](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/j_ku396MbJGDYZKnOfPI1U8wyt8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-25-2021/t_3a2cfe5454004ef0bab7022a658e8ffc_name_t_e7def73d9aa249b08c906ca4617e8b03_name_image.jpg)
City fires Jacksonville firefighter accused of making advances toward minor
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The city of Jacksonville has fired a veteran firefighter accused of making sexual advances toward a minor, News4Jax learned Monday. The 48-year-old, whoโs been with the fire department 17 years, has pleaded not guilty to those charges. The victim told investigators that Lampkins kissed her, asked her to place her hand on his crotch and offered to buy her a sex toy, among other allegations. The victimโs mother told News4Jax at the time that she was devastated after learning of the allegations. Powers said Lampkins was later allowed to resume regular duties when those allegations did not lead to criminal charges.
![More JFRD employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/8UNNzToe7vu1L0BgzOqZ7EIZc-E=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-27-2020/t_c8dd4b2d400547b6b722177846b36e3e_name_image.jpg)
More JFRD employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19
JFRD Chief Keith Powers says 1,600 JFRD employees will get vaccinated at the Prime Osborne Convention Center, where a special clinic has been set up. Last week, the first group of JFRD employees -- about 25 people, including Powers -- received their first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. And this is just another way we can do that.โHis employees are not required to get the shot, but he says that since the start of the pandemic, 282 JFRD employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Our first responders began receiving the COVID-19 vaccine today. Itโs expected to take at least six days to vaccinate about 1,600 JFRD employees.
![Jacksonville firefighters begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/qipB4n9RtxeYOAf57XYg07isN48=/1600x899/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RDNFLQQSYVE45CUQXWZPUJIJ34.jpg)
Jacksonville firefighters begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ About 25 Jacksonville Fire and Rescue employees, including Chief Keith Powers, received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday afternoon. The remaining 1,600 JFRD employees will begin getting the vaccine next week -- a process thatโs expected to last several days. The city said it is important that JFRD employees get vaccinated early because about 900 paramedics will be used to administer the shots to the public as early as next month. Clay County told News4Jax its firefighters will also be involved in giving shots to the public but they have not received any vaccine. Statewide more than 68,000 people have received either Pfizerโs or Modernaโs vaccine as of Wednesday.
![4 firefighters burned attempting rescue from house fire](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/t_HbYPoYNIVLvg9xF6l-M8mYxI0=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-25-2020/t_8658b800732c4fc7972e39b581cd8bde_name_image.jpg)
4 firefighters burned attempting rescue from house fire
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Four firefighters suffered burns Tuesday while trying to rescue someone they thought was inside a burning home in the New Town neighborhood of Northwest Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department was called just after 1 p.m. and saw flames and heavy smoke coming from the house on Acorn Street near West 2nd Street. Neighbors said someone was trapped inside, so four firefighters forced their way inside and encountered high heat and flames. โEvery day in this city (there are) house fires and these firefighters respond to them,โ Powers said. The man who neighbors believed to still be in the house said he was not surprised the firefighters were told that someone was probably inside.
![The window to fill out the census may have closed](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/aY1gSKwv9dZQUJcxSbWkxbnrrGg=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-13-2020/t_c28c696f21a24c709afb3d1b25176f28_name_image.jpg)
The window to fill out the census may have closed
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ If you havenโt already filled out the 2020 Census, you might be out of luck. The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended the census, overriding a previous ruling from U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh, which held that the census could continue through Oct. 31. RELATED: Supreme Court halts 2020 census for nowPresident Donald Trumpโs administration requested the stoppage, saying the U.S. Census Bureau needed time to make sense of the head count before a year-end deadline set by Congress. Now, letโs say you donโt have children, so childcare funding doesnโt move the needle for you. But if something changes, completing your census is easy and takes no time at all.
![Jacksonville firefighter accused of trying to have sex with a minor](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/RYMFHc3mx6t9vwEjKP4ukG4-Z2g=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-24-2020/t_b3f3476a06664a859b9239c0a453f414_name_t_d0bf4bd5e1c448f0bc8198b5ef5450f4_name_image.jpg)
Jacksonville firefighter accused of trying to have sex with a minor
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department lieutenant was arrested Wednesday based on accusations that he tried to have sex with a minor. According to Lampkins' arrest warrant, the victim told investigators that Lampkins made sexual advances toward her while visiting her familyโs home April 16. She said Lampkins told her, โ'I know you have cameras in here. News4Jax crime and safety analyst, who is a retired Jacksonville Sheriffโs Office sex crimes investigator, said that was an odd question to ask. Lampkinsโ arrest comes a little bit more than a year after a woman accused Lampkins of rape, though he was not charged with a crime.
![JFRD breaks ground on permanent home for Gate Parkway fire station](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/azSBXrMf2o-0vx8GdAFwFJkqgwk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-23-2020/t_3bfaa06381574a8db5ddb79bf29d7f62_name_image.jpg)
JFRD breaks ground on permanent home for Gate Parkway fire station
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The fast-growing Gate Parkway area has been served since last September by firefighters working out of a temporary structure. โThese fine men and women have been in a temporary station. Reducing response times and lowering insurance rates are a few benefits for the placement of the new station. JFRD said members working at Fire Station No. Itโs very important that we can respond and meet those NFPA numbers to keep our response times down,โ Powers said.
![JFRD members head west to help with hurricane efforts](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/qcMgXCNeekfe3g888GmAfUNVc0Q=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-15-2020/t_cbc77939f32b4a3f8c0ea3c59e53c946_name_image.jpg)
JFRD members head west to help with hurricane efforts
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Dozens of search and rescue members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department left Tuesday to head west to help with storm efforts. JFRD Chief Keith Powers said he got the official call Monday night that crews needed to be ready to deploy Tuesday morning. He said 41 men and women volunteered at the drop of the hat to deploy to assist after Hurricane Sally passes. This is the first storm of the season that JFRD has responded to in order to help. Keep this crew in your thoughts and prayers as they left their families today to help with the inevitable devastation Hurricane Sally will leave.... be careful out there!
![City awarded $14.2M federal grant to hire 60 more firefighters](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/Dun_XHZtzFj7jLYV82I5QCVGLhw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-02-2020/t_5c33dfced0b44f4c82cf933abd3f2b65_name_image.jpg)
City awarded $14.2M federal grant to hire 60 more firefighters
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The city of Jacksonville was awarded more than $14 million in federal grant money to hire 60 more Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel, the mayor announced Tuesday. The $14,240,160 was the second-largest grant awarded this year through FEMAs Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program. MORE: FEMA database of SAFER grant awardsThe $14 million was the largest grant awarded to any city in Florida, and far surpassed the $5.5 million SAFER grant the city was awarded last September, Mayor Lenny Curry said. He said the grant will fund salary and benefits for 60 additional firefighters, freeing up city dollars for other priorities without impacting public safety priorities. Its big for the citizens of this county and the city, Powers said.
![232 JFRD employees in quarantine](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/UhRqUh6CGHsyB9Ww5MIpqdqmHWY=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-30-2020/t_53f4ee9abf4b4597898c92307c275198_name_image.jpg)
232 JFRD employees in quarantine
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Dozens of firefighters have tested positive for COVID-19 and hundreds of firefighters have been quarantined, according to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Fire Chief Keith Powers said Monday that 232 JFRD employees were in quarantine, 33 of whom have tested positive for COVID-19. I think the department has done a great job of making sure everyone is well trained, Wyse told News4Jax on Monday. Wyse said firefighters are trying their best to steer clear of the virus, but some situations are unavoidable. Wyse said he expects everyone in the department to have been tested for COVID-19 by the end of the week.
![Jacksonville firefighters: Ship fire has been fully extinguished](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/_6m9BZ9NLCQE9o1Qc78BQ9oVOyE=/1600x1065/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TDMAZITXR5A2TDAKD25P4T7YKM.jpg)
Jacksonville firefighters: Ship fire has been fully extinguished
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. More than a week after a group of Jacksonville firefighters were injured while battling a fire onboard a ship docked at Blount Island, the Fire and Rescue Department said Friday that the fire is officially out.According to Fire Chief Keith Powers, eight firefighters were injured in an explosion that occurred while crews were battling the fire, and an additional firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. According to Powers, the fire started on the seventh deck of the ship. Approximately 120 JFRD personnel were sent to battle the initial fire. The ship was loaded with automobiles. An oil spill response team was brought in by Resolve Marine, which placed a boom around the ship to prevent pollution in the water.
![Support fund set up for firefighters injured in cargo ship fire, explosion](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/t4LsUKtG9f9MQc4B40mdBx4zN-0=/1280x720/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/EVMCCLC7CREKHI5CYSC7EHVZIU.jpg)
Support fund set up for firefighters injured in cargo ship fire, explosion
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A support fund has been set up to help nine Jacksonville firefighters who were injured last week trying to contain a blaze aboard a cargo ship at Blount Island. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said it was overwhelmed with requests to help the injured firefighters, so the fundraising account was set up on the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters website. The firefighters escaped the ship with their lives, but with burns to their heads and hands. JFRD Chief Keith Powers said its a miracle the eight men caught in that explosion survived. As of Monday, two firefighters were still in the hospital, undergoing skin grafting surgeries in the burn unit at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville.
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JFRD: Fire aboard cargo ship โunder control and contained'
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A fire aboard a cargo ship docked at Blount Island was โunder control and containedโ as of Sunday morning, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said. According to JFRD, eight firefighters were injured in an explosion Thursday while battling the fire on the ship. On Saturday, JFRD said, crews were cooling the ship with more than 25,000 gallons of water per minute on all sides. Day 3, cooling the ship with more than 25,000 gallons of water per minute on all sides... working with partners to a safe resolve to the situation. RELATED: Maritime expert explains why cargo ship fire is particularly hazardous | Coast Guard working to control potential environmental impact of burning shipThe Coast Guard said there are no signs of contaminants in the water.
![Drones using infrared cameras to monitor ship blaze that could burn for days](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/9JFt4aRHnQVM7Zu5XIexA6E1-ps=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-07-2020/t_9285f83b8ac1499389437beffba207f6_name_image.jpg)
Drones using infrared cameras to monitor ship blaze that could burn for days
RELATED: Coast Guard working to control potential environmental impact of burning shipThese photos from JFRD were taken by drones with infrared cameras to measure the temperatures and show the hottest areas of the ship glowing red. Mark Vlaun with the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard said there are no signs of contaminants in the water. Unfortunately, a number of members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department sustained injuries courageously tackling this blaze. Jacksonville firefighters responded immediately and have worked tirelessly to control the fire.
![9 firefighters hospitalized in Florida after ship explosion](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/rjsIrdgCJp44ZDbsiYHKya4M8JE=/1600x881/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/KDRWTOM2XBDMNNKEJERFDCLAAY.jpg)
9 firefighters hospitalized in Florida after ship explosion
In this image made from aerial video taken on June 4, 2020, firefighters spray a cargo ship with water, in Jacksonville, Florida. Authorities say nine firefighters responding to a fire aboard a ship in Florida have been hospitalized after the ship exploded. (WJXT via AP)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Nine firefighters responding to a fire aboard a ship in Florida have been hospitalized after the ship exploded, injuring eight and sending one to a hospital for heat exhaustion, authorities said. Of the nine firefighters hospitalized, four were treated for burns, one was taken into surgery for injuries Thursday night and another firefighter has been in intensive care, news outlets reported. Theyll need a lot of that.Nearly 150 firefighters were continuing to rotate in teams to battle the blaze abroad the ship, Powers said.
![9 firefighters hospitalized as ship at JaxPort continues to burn](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/Jlpx2an6V4ONE9qMvU5bpENfzwI=/1600x899/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/52OKESG3SRFCFOX6WIQNRAJ33Q.jpg)
9 firefighters hospitalized as ship at JaxPort continues to burn
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Eight of 120 firefighters battling a stubborn fire aboard a car-carrier ship docked at the Jacksonville Port Authoritys Blount Island Marine Terminal were hospitalized after an explosion. The explosion occurred nearly three hours after firefighters responded to the fire Thursday afternoon. The ship, a Norwegian vessel called Hoegh Xiamen was carrying old and used cars and had been scheduled to leave Jacksonville. Of the firefighters hospitalized, four were treated for burns, one was taken into surgery for injuries Thursday night and another firefighter has been in intensive care, News4Jax learned. Four of them were taken to the burn unit at Shands in Gainesville -- two by helicopter, two by ground transport.
![Fire chief: Some firefighters will be out for long time after explosion on ship](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/rKMrQ07jgtbASaxzLxQ-6pZhtxQ=/1185x667/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7PGU6GJ63FFLHEXTAE6POY4IB4.jpg)
Fire chief: Some firefighters will be out for long time after explosion on ship
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Some of the Jacksonville firefighters who were injured in an explosion that occurred while they were battling a fire aboard a cargo ship sustained significant injuries and have a long recovery period ahead, Fire Chief Keith Powers said Friday. Eight firefighters were hospitalized in Thursdays explosion on the ship docked at Blount Island, and a ninth was treated for heat exhaustion. RELATED: Maritime expert explains why cargo ship fire is particularly hazardousTheres four or five of them that have got some pretty significant injuries. Theyre going to be out a long time, Powers said. Theyre going to be OK, just a long, long, long recovery.Randy Wyse, president of the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters, pointed out that going into a ship thats on fire is one of the most dangerous tasks a firefighter faces.
![Maritime expert explains what makes cargo ship fires so dangerous](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/81S85GgETCssY2AoIh3W-Z8f9q0=/1191x670/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7C4CKDGALFDWTKSOC5RWV27ENE.jpg)
Maritime expert explains what makes cargo ship fires so dangerous
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. At least nine firefighters are recovering from injuries, some serious, after an explosion occurred while battling a fire Thursday evening aboard a cargo ship docked at Blount Island, according to a spokesperson for the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters. Fire Chief Keith Powers with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said ship fires are some of the most dangerous fires a firefighter will be faced with extinguishing. RELATED: JFRD: Firefighters injured battling fire aboard cargo ship at Blount IslandMaritime attorney Rod Sullivan spoke with News4Jax about the dangerous of cargo ship fires, especially ones that are carrying automobiles. Those vehicles are filled with with gasoline and gasoline is a highly explosive substance, especially if it becomes vaporized and heats up, Sullivan said. Sullivan also spoke about some of the precautions that are taken when moving vehicles aboard a cargo ship.
![Smoke could linger after brush fire near San Pablo homes](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/cPG1MhF0kNOlII9QgVTd-9OYKOM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/05-21-2020/t_683f5167a9ac48dbb1e9d3d64f830a58_name_image.jpg)
Smoke could linger after brush fire near San Pablo homes
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A fire in a wooded area just off San Pablo Road on Thursday afternoon came within 100 feet of homes before firefighters, two of whom were treated for heat exhaustion, could beat it back. The Florida Forest Service had two tractors cutting fire breaks and a spotter plane in the air. No homes were burned, but News4Jax heard from residents from the Pablo Bay neighborhood, on the west side of San Pablo Road and north of J. Turner Butler Boulevard, who were evacuated. Little did she know, her mother, Kelly Pogue, was battling traffic and thick smoke as she tried to get home. San Pablo Road reopened by early Thursday evening, though firefighters said smoke could linger and be a problem into Friday or even into the weekend, not only for the immediate area, but possibly even J. Turner Butler and Beach boulevards.
![2nd victim of overnight fire dies; 1 remains in critical condition](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/xcVT0VlsBxWgcFzdNg_mCKIYMQw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-21-2020/t_f0ab7a3e632041c7844ec5f474d08594_name_image.jpg)
2nd victim of overnight fire dies; 1 remains in critical condition
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A second person has died and another victim of a large fire early Tuesday morning is in critical condition at a burn unit, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Chief Keith Powers said. News4Jax has learned the two nearby buildings that burned were registered with the state as a group home. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said the fire started about 1 a.m. at a home on 1st Street and Huron Street near the Coca-Cola bottling plant. One of those has died and the second transferred to the burn unit at UF Health Shands in Gainesville. โOur crews did the very best to enter the structure where they could, to where it was safe,โ said Capt.
![Emergency bills allow retired Jacksonville first responders to return to work](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/MLs0pJOeTqZo49Gy3ty4wm-6cX4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-14-2020/t_157469ffa5e14853b5b1c952b773c2b7_name_image.jpg)
Emergency bills allow retired Jacksonville first responders to return to work
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday night passed two emergency bills that allow former Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department members and Jacksonville Sheriffโs Office police and corrections officers to come out of retirement to help respond to the coronavirus crisis. The proposals, announced by Mayor Lenny Curry during a virtual news conference Tuesday afternoon, allow recently retired first responders to return to work without impacting their pensions. Both JSO and JFRD said those who opt for that will have to meet state certifications for fitness. RELATED | Former Jacksonville officer says heโll leave retirement, join fight against COVID-19 if neededRetired Capt. I expect to go back to work anytime.โDuring Tuesdayโs news conference, JFRD Chief Keith Powers also said two more JFRD members were placed in quarantine after showing symptoms, bringing the total of JFRD members in quarantine to 79.
![JFRD: Jacksonville overdose calls increased 20% in March](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/v0yeeAAMwGj6i9Zt-x7U-lg5Zqc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/04-14-2020/t_04f26e29722b46eea1867c226e154436_name_image.jpg)
JFRD: Jacksonville overdose calls increased 20% in March
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ As COVID-19 cases continued to rise and the state and city began putting restrictions in place, the number of overdose calls went up. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Cheif Keith Powers said Monday the agency saw a 20% increase in overdose calls from February to March. The new data from JFRD shows every week in March 2020 there was an increase in overdose calls when compared to 2019. Since the increase in overdose calls, JFRD has distributed over 900 nasal Narcan kits. And as Pietak and other health officials continue to monitor the coming months April is also showing an increase in overdose calls.
![Why isnโt Jacksonville sheltering in place? And 4 other questions answered](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/xrgwfCv4DKqZtXPgAE5QhOkHWk0=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-27-2020/t_0f2cec5891034b14acd68b50d3af5665_name_image.jpg)
Why isnโt Jacksonville sheltering in place? And 4 other questions answered
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ For the fifth consecutive day, Mayor Lenny Curry held a virtual question-and-answer session Friday to discuss Jacksonvilleโs response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Curry said city staff continue to catalog complaints about employers not following the rules allowing employees to work remotely if possible. Why arenโt Jacksonville city officials issuing a shelter-in-place order? โThis is important not only for business owners, but also for employees, the works of the city, the people that work here in Jacksonville,โ Curry said. pic.twitter.com/DUxbDw8qGH โ City of Jacksonville (COJ) (@CityofJax) March 27, 2020To view the up-to-date list of resources, visit the cityโs website.
![Superintendent: Bags could be checked at Highlands Middle after pepper spray incident](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/FXiEwDHPMVruleXl3ojfvbqcjVo=/1280x720/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/YDF5UPKU7JG4PCDXGGRQ5DH5IQ.jpg)
Superintendent: Bags could be checked at Highlands Middle after pepper spray incident
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Students at Highlands Middle School could have their bags checked Monday, according to Dr. Diana Greene, superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. Greene was asked whether there would be extra safety measures Monday at Highlands Middle after 41 students were exposed to pepper spray Friday in the schoolโs gymnasium. It may be we will do random bag checks on Monday," Greene said during a news conference Friday. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said those affected were transported to area hospitals out of an abundance of caution. According to the school administration, parents of students should have received a robocall explaining Fridayโs situation.
![41 students hospitalized after pepper spray incident at middle school](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/e9Awo8NO77w_2WOJJE4YKz8MPQE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-28-2020/t_62d63c40358b48a4baf53adbe4e973d8_name_image.jpg)
41 students hospitalized after pepper spray incident at middle school
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Firefighters responding to a mass casualty event at Highlands Middle School on Friday afternoon took 41 seventh-grade students suffering effects from pepper spray to area hospitals, according to Duval County Public Schools. The incident happened just after 1 p.m. in the gym when it is believed multiple students released pepper spray during a fifth-period physical education class. "Give them a chance to recover, recoup, return to school and then get the information from them then.โEdwards said any container with more than 2 ounces of pepper spray for personal use is not allowed at school. Eight students were also taken to UF Health North, six to Memorial, five to Baptist North and three to Normandy Park ER. โMy goal is to ensure that we can provide an environment that students can feel safe to come to school.
![Jacksonville Fire & Rescue looking for people to join its apprentice program](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/fz6LM6dE-q-6sGs9eg5aKv9Hvls=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-21-2020/t_2d7841d2f4da4061847206fd66782f4e_name_Dwayne_Lee_1.jpg)
Jacksonville Fire & Rescue looking for people to join its apprentice program
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is seeking young men and women to join its apprentice program. The program focuses on people in specific Jacksonville ZIP codes (see details below). The apprentice program has been around since 2016. Dwayne Lee, who went on to become a Jacksonville firefighter, was the first person to graduate from the program. He graduated from the apprentice program in fall 2017 and became a Jacksonville firefighter in January 2018.
![5 charged with murder in opioid OD deaths in Jacksonville](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/4YM1OWWfb3EqaDV5wmc6WU0Fauc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-29-2020/t_c22496197e3b4e91ace5523a50a8a4c3_name_5_charged_with_OD_murders.jpg)
5 charged with murder in opioid OD deaths in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Five people accused of selling opioids to victims who died of overdose deaths over the last 18 months are facing murder charges, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and State Attorney Melissa Nelson announced Tuesday. Williams said that his deputies responded to 263 overdose deaths last year. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said the number of overdose calls in Jacksonville increased by 45% between 2018 and 2019. She said aggressive police work is being met with equally aggressive prosecution to try to stem the number of overdose deaths in the community. Every time you use illegal drugs, youโre taking your life in your hands.โ
![Flames destroy apartment building under construction on Southside](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/LDIIaJeF1IjzEvF_3MUK8y5Q7KE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-12-2020/t_3c833ab9b1ad49049a5abc228b18e144_name_image.jpg)
Flames destroy apartment building under construction on Southside
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ A four-story apartment building under construction on Jacksonvilleโs Southside burned to the ground before dawn Sunday morning in a fire that kept the eastbound lanes of Baymeadows Road blocked at Interstate 295 all morning. Flames from the Fusion Apartment at Baymeadows being built along Baymeadows Road East spread to woods but the fire was stopped before it could spread into the neighboring Hampton Park neighborhood. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Chief Keith Powers said 14 engines and seven ladder trucks were needed to battle the three-alarm fire. The only thing left standing by daybreak was the concrete-block stairwell in the center of the building. First thing I said is thatโs the new apartments going up in flames,โ said Wilkes.
![31 crashes of Jacksonville's first responders last week raise red flags](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/10/30/JSO-crash-ITeam_1572472450978_22429136_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
31 crashes of Jacksonville's first responders last week raise red flags
With more than 30 crashes involving Jacksonville police and fire vehicles last week, city leaders are once again concerned about safety. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office alone had 24 crashes last week, with the officers at fault in 17 of them. Jacksonville Fire-Rescue vehicles were involved in seven additional crashes, and five were found to be the firefighters' fault. An additional 22 JFRD and 79 other city vehicles are offline for maintenance. Earlier this year, the I-Team reported that crashes of city vehicles cost taxpayers an average of more than $1.5 million each year.
![Jacksonville fire chief thanks security guard who saved wounded firefighter](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/10/10/Capture%20Cropped%20_OP_50_CP__1570764534654.jpg_22374828_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Jacksonville fire chief thanks security guard who saved wounded firefighter
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - After a veteran fire captain was slashed and stabbed by a patient, Chief Keith Powers with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personally thanked the security guard credited with helping save the firefighter's life. On Thursday, Powers went to UF Health to meet and thank Davay Kinsey. Her quick thinking saved Captain Norris' life. @FirehouseNews @CityofJax @lennycurry pic.twitter.com/71kEgcgRzd MyJFRD (@JFRDJAX) October 11, 2019Investigators said Norris and his partner were stabbed by a patient Tuesday night. The other firefighter, Engineer Vinnie Harper, was treated for a cut to his leg and released from the hospital.
![UF Health security officer's quick action helped save firefighter's life](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/10/09/Woman_reunites_with_firefighters_she_saved_1570677410395_22372005_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
UF Health security officer's quick action helped save firefighter's life
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A UF Health Jacksonville security officer is being hailed as a hero for helping save the life of a veteran fire captain who was stabbed Tuesday evening. The security officer, Davay Kinsey, is retired from the Air Force and served nearly 11 years as a military police officer. When she arrived and saw the two firefighters trying to subdue the patient, Kinsey told News4Jax on Wednesday that what I witnessed was unreal.JFRD Capt. She said that she's overwhelmed and humbled by this experience, but added that everyone at UF Health was in the right place at the right time. Davay Kinsey is a security officer at UF Health hospital in downtown Jacksonville.
![Fire chief: 1 of 2 firefighters slashed by patient nearly died](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/10/09/Firefighters-Norris-and-Har_1570658130943_22371449_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Fire chief: 1 of 2 firefighters slashed by patient nearly died
Powers said the patient, later identified as Tony Harris, was calm when they loaded him in the rescue unit headed to UF Health Jacksonville. As the rescue unit drove through Springfield, the patient got up off the stretcher, grabbed a box cutter from the pocket of the firefighter who was caring for him, Capt. Powers said that may have saved Norris' life. Powers says the attack came without warning -- that the patient was initially calm in the rescue unit and not displaying any issues. Powers said firefighters and paramedics often carry knives or box cutters for cutting through items like seat belts to reach victims.
![Fire Prevention Week focuses on planning and practicing an escape](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2016/12/05/Time%20to%20consider%20fire%20safety20161205232040_8463614_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Fire Prevention Week focuses on planning and practicing an escape
"You do that every six months to ensure that your smoke detector is working." Additionally, JFRD will provide and install a free smoke detector for qualifying Jacksonville residents living in single-family or two-family homes. For a free smoke detector or to arrange to have the batteries in an existing device replaced, call 904-630-CITY (2489). Click here to find more information about the smoke detector program. Businesses, organizations or people who want to help prevent residential fire deaths through increased use of smoke detectors can contribute to the Mayor's Home Fire Safety Program.
![Drones now part of Jacksonville police & firefighters' fleets](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/09/19/JSO__JFRD_using_drones_to_increase_safety_1568949627013_22302249_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Drones now part of Jacksonville police & firefighters' fleets
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - In addition to gunfire-detection technology and a bullet-tracing database, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office now has access to some extra eyes in the sky to help keep the public safe. So far this year, the JSO unmanned aerial systems unit has conducted approximately 535 flights in support of these missions, JSO Investigations and Homeland Security Director Nick Burgos said. RELATED: First responders want drones to help with search & rescue missionsThe new unit is not unique to JSO. Like JSO, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department also has its own fleet of drones piloted by seven FAA-licensed drone pilots, including three captains, a lieutenant and three engineers, JFRD Interim Fire Chief Keith Powers said. Since then, the department has received authorization from the FAA to operate anywhere within 45 nautical miles of Jacksonville, though there are some exceptions.
![After 'extremely difficult' decision, active search for missing firefighters ends at sundown](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/08/22/Suspending_coastal_Carolina_search_for_two_firefighters_1566514442804_22195349_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
After 'extremely difficult' decision, active search for missing firefighters ends at sundown
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Six days after two firefighters went to sea for a day of fishing and never returned, the U.S. Coast Guard decided Thursday would be the last of active searching. More than 146,368 square miles, an area about the size of Montana, were searched over 281 hours, the Coast Guard said. Mark Vlaun called the decision "extremely difficult" and said Coast Guard assets will continue to work off the coast. The search team outlined everything the Coast Guard and others had done to find their loved ones and answered any questions they had. "When you're talking about search suspension, it is the hardest decision any Coast Guard leader makes, unquestionably," Vlaun said.
![Firefighters lean on each other as search grows grim](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/08/22/After_extremely_difficult_decision_active_search_for_missing_firefighters_to_end_at_sundown_1566513119205_22195406_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Firefighters lean on each other as search grows grim
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - It has been an emotional rollercoaster for firefighters whove searched both on and off duty for the two missing fellow firefighters. All week, Jacksonville firefighters were holding out hope, but Thursday afternoon, Powers had a different tone. We are suspending our active search as well at sundown as well today, Powers said. News4Jax crews saw the dedication first hand through the week with firefighters volunteering their time and money to take out private boats and planes. I am proud and thanks for hosting us, said Chief John Butler, the Fairfax County fire chief who has been in Jacksonville for the search.
![Active search for missing fishermen to end at sundown today](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/08/20/Missing-firefighters-on-boa_1566342973766_22188108_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Active search for missing fishermen to end at sundown today
The U.S. Coast Guard, Navy and Customers and Border Protection aircraft will continue their massive search operation for the rest of the day. The focal point of Thursday's search was nearly 400 miles north of where the two men put out to sea. The Coast Guard said after getting first reports Thursday morning, they will have a conversation about what the future of the rescue effort will look like. Volunteers along with JFRD and the Coast Guard say this search is a personal one. Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) August 22, 2019Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.
![Search for missing boaters extends into South Carolina](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/08/21/Time_has_really_become_our_enemy_as_search_for_missing_boaters_moves_north_1566445185591_22191245_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Search for missing boaters extends into South Carolina
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is calling for volunteers to leave from Savannah and Charleston Thursday morning. "Were in some critical times right now," Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said early Wednesday evening. Coast Guard Capt. The Coast Guard said it will have a first light search Thursday morning. Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.
![Search for missing boaters extends into South Carolina](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2019/08/21/Time_has_really_become_our_enemy_as_search_for_missing_boaters_moves_north_1566445185591_22191245_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Search for missing boaters extends into South Carolina
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is calling for volunteers to leave from Savannah and Charleston Thursday morning. "We're in some critical times right now," Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said early Wednesday evening. Coast Guard Capt. The Coast Guard said it will have a first light search Thursday morning. Anyone with information about the boaters or who can help in the search is asked to call the Coast Guard at 904-714-7565.
![Massive Search Underway for Missing Firefighters Who Disappeared on Boating Trip](https://sharedmedia.grahamdigital.com/photo/2019/08/21/082019-firefighters-1280x720_22189710_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Massive Search Underway for Missing Firefighters Who Disappeared on Boating Trip
A massive search is underway for two firefighters who vanished during a Florida boating trip. McCluneys fishing bag was found 50 miles from St. Augustine Monday, but there was no sign of the boat they left in, authorities said. On Tuesday, helicopters were added to the search, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Weve finally started zeroing a little bit today, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said in an update on Monday. I still could see that my messages hadnt even been delivered yet, Stephanie told the station.
![Search ramps up for firefighters missing off Florida coast](https://sharedmedia.grahamdigital.com/photo/2019/08/20/Florida%20firefighters%20missing%20at%20sea.jpg_22188746_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
Search ramps up for firefighters missing off Florida coast
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A Florida fire official says his department is ramping up its search for two firefighters who've been missing since going boating in the Atlantic Ocean last week. The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies have been searching a wide area of ocean between Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville. The Coast Guard said when they arrived to the search area, the debris found was not related to the boaters. Following the discovery of McCluney's tackle bag by a Good Samaritan, the Coast Guard said it will be focusing on the area where that bag was found. Anyone with information is asked to contact the United States Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Command Center at 904-714-7558.