Changes are in motion in the top administrative positions in the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
The city announced May 15 that Keith Powers will retire as chief of JFRD after six years as the department’s leader.
That announcement came two days after City Council confirmed Mayor Donna Deegan’s appointment of Willie S. King as JFRD deputy fire chief.
Powers will retire effective June 30, according to a news release. It said Powers, who has served with the department for 29 years, approached Deegan’s administration in early 2025 to begin discussing a transition to his successor.
The city says the next fire chief will be selected within the next six weeks, with appointment planned on July 1. An announcement on the process for candidates to submit applications is forthcoming from the city and JFRD, the release said.
On May 13, Council voted 19-0 to install King as deputy chief.
King has served with JFRD since 2009 in such positions as a paramedic, firefighter, lieutenant, captain and chief officer. He also is a U.S. Navy veteran.