A Jacksonville Fire and Rescue veteran with 21 years of experience is Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s choice to be the next leader of the department.
On June 30, Deegan appointed Percy Golden II to succeed Keith Powers as the JFRD’s top administrator.
Golden, the Emergency Preparedness Division deputy chief, played a leading role in the Emergency Operations Center, “shepherding Jacksonville through major crises – from the COVID-19 pandemic to multiple hurricanes,” the city said in a news release.
In the statement, Deegan said Golden would “bring creative and innovative thinking, a strong focus on JFRD’s young workforce, and a deep love for Jacksonville to the role.”
The city announced in May that Powers was retiring effective June 30 after 29 years of service with JFRD, including six as chief.
Rescue Division Chief Jake Blanton will serve as JFRD’s next deputy chief.
Deegan and Golden also announced the following leadership updates:
• Willie King, manager of strategic initiatives.
• Dallas Cooke, chief of rescue.
• James Schaudel, deputy chief of emergency preparedness.
• Terrance Holmes, deputy chief of fire operations.
• Chris Scott, deputy chief of administrative services.