06/11/2026
Most people have never seen a firefighter wear ballistic gear.
JFRD personnel respond to medical calls, fires, crashes, and other emergencies across Jacksonville every day. But they also train for the low-frequency, high-consequence incidents that demand a different kind of preparation.
Last week, JFRD firefighters donned their ballistic gear for a large-scale active assailant exercise hosted by Duval County School Police. They trained as part of Rescue Task Forces, working alongside law enforcement to reach injured victims, provide lifesaving care, and move patients to safety. JFRD’s Emergency Preparedness Division helped design the scenario with Duval County School Police and JSO to challenge participants, test plans, and identify opportunities for improvement.
When the worst day of someone’s life unfolds, preparation becomes the difference between reacting and responding.