JFRD is one step closer to having a new fire chief. Here’s the list of finalists

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is one step closer to having a new fire chief.

The following five finalists are interviewing with Mayor Deegan over the next few days:

• Damian Bell
• Jake Blanton
• Percy Golden
• Darin Hooten
• Willie King

First-round interviews were conducted with the original 17 candidates, and another 12 were deemed ineligible.

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The search began after the current fire chief, Keith Powers, announced an early retirement in May. He will be leaving on June 30.

Lots of current and former firefighters applied for the top spot.

On July 1, a new chief of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) will be announced by the mayor’s office.

The mayor will appoint the new fire chief, and it is subject to confirmation by the city council.