KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. – A public funeral service will be held Sunday to remember a promising Jacksonville firefighter whose life was cut short last week in a car crash.
The services will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday at Community Christian Church in Keystone Heights, the town where 23-year-old Colton R. Tibbetts grew up.
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Tibbetts joined the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department three years ago, following in the footsteps of his father.
In November, he was promoted to engineer at just 22 years old. In a social media post, JFRD called Tibbetts’ promotion " a reflection of his commitment, work ethic, and the firefighter he was becoming."
During a candlelight vigil Saturday evening at Keystone Beach, Tibbetts’ family set up a memorial table for people to bring flowers, pictures, or anything special to honor him.
RELATED: Family of 23-year-old JFRD engineer who died says they’re thankful for ‘love and support’
Loved ones who helped plan the candlelight vigil shared more about how they are remembering Tibbetts.
“Colton was more than a friend, more than a son. He was a brother to so many. The kind of person who showed up, who cared deeply, and who left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him. That kind of bond, that kind of brotherhood, doesn’t fade, it lives on in all of us,” Preston Williams wrote in a Facebook post.
Tibbetts’ family shared that they are extremely grateful for the love and support they have received from the community.
A family friend this week told News4JAX that since Tibbetts was a young child in elementary school, he was extremely respectful, kind, and very intelligent.
On Friday afternoon, JFRD held a procession for Tibbetts with agencies lining the route from St. Johns County to Starke.
There are moments when words fall short.
— THEJFRD (@THEJFRD) March 28, 2026
Thursday was one of them.
As JFRD escorted Engineer Colton Tibbetts home, the entire Northeast Florida community answered in the only way that mattered, by showing up.
From St. Johns County to Starke, agencies lined the route in support… pic.twitter.com/gLlx9ugvTL
“He was a beloved son, brother, friend, and a dedicated firefighter who served our community with pride,” JFRD said in a social media post. “We ask that you keep the Tibbetts family, his crew, and all members of JFRD in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office also posted a tribute to Tibbetts.
“We have the utmost respect for those who put their lives on the line to protect the people of our great city. He chose public service as a career, following in his father’s footsteps,” JSO wrote on social media.
Mayor Donna Deegan also sent her prayers to the Tibbetts family and the entire JFRD family.
“Jacksonville will always be grateful for his decision to serve our community and carry on his father’s legacy as a firefighter,” she wrote.
The crash that killed Tibbetts was reported around 2:35 a.m. Wednesday on State Road 26 in Putnam County. No other vehicles were involved.