JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayor Donna Deegan announced multiple promotions and a slew of reappointments for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, included Fire Chief Keith Powers, at City Hall Wednesday.
The announcement featured several promotions of minority candidates to leadership positions. That brings the demographics of the JFRD leadership team to 50% white, 38% African American, 6% Asian, 6% Hispanic or Latino.
A working group of supervisors and managers from various departments was tasked with developing these plans for program that incorporates educational opportunities, including reimbursement for college degrees with the city covering the cost of necessary certification courses.
“When I became your mayor, I promised to bring more diversity to our city workforce, build the bench for our next generation of leaders, and deliver the best service possible for our citizens,” Mayor Donna Deegan said. “We have put in place a succession plan to create a pipeline that brings diverse talent to the top of JFRD. These changes will ensure we continue to have the best fire department in the country for years to come.”
Keith Powers will continue serving as Fire Chief.
Division Chief of Operations Steve Riska, Division Chief of Rescue Jake Blanton, Deputy Division Chief of Rescue Daniel Guthrie, Division Chief of Fire Prevention Kevin Jones and Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness Andre Ayoub will also continue in their roles. Ayoub was appointed earlier this year.
The following appointments were announced Wednesday:
• Willie King will serve as the new Deputy Fire Chief.
• Chris Scott will be the new Deputy Division Chief of Operations.
• Teresa Kinstle will be the new Division Chief of Training.
• Austin Gambill will be the new Deputy Division Chief of Training.
• Renaldo Horn will be the new Chief of Recruiting.
• Allen Mason will be the new Deputy Division Chief of Fire Prevention.
• Percy Golden Jr. will be the new Deputy Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness.
• Mike Lesniak will be the new Division Chief of Administrative Services.
• Terrance Holmes will be the new Deputy Division Chief of Administrative Services.
• Berlinda Tookes will serve as the new Assistant Chief of EEO/Ethics.