Jacksonville, Florida, January 24, 2026
Four employees from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department have been arrested following a series of paintball incidents that resulted in damage to public and personal property. The arrests stemmed from a prank war among fire stations, where the firefighters shot paintballs at vehicles, including a patrol car of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. While reassigned to administrative duties pending an internal investigation, the Jacksonville officials emphasized this incident does not reflect the conduct of the entire department.
Jacksonville Firefighters Arrested for Paintball Incidents
Jacksonville, Florida – Four employees of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) have been arrested on charges of criminal mischief after allegedly targeting multiple vehicles, including a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) patrol car, with paintballs. The incidents are believed to have originated from an ongoing “prank war” between fire stations.
Details of the Incidents
On December 29, 2025, a JSO officer in the LaVilla neighborhood observed green paint splatters on his marked patrol vehicle. A civilian also reported similar damage to their car. Further investigation revealed additional paint splatters on an I-95 traffic sign, a “one-way” sign, a dumpster, and an abandoned structure. Firefighters were seen entering a nearby fire station and quickly closing the bay doors. Subsequent searches found 14 red and green paintballs on the roof of the fire station, along with used paintball shells in the driveway. The paintball gun used was reportedly a Christmas “White Elephant” gift exchange item. Initially, the firefighters used the paintball gun to shoot signs, but when it stopped working, they began throwing paintballs at each other. The four individuals arrested are: Landon T. Simmons, 30, engineer; Wesley P. Parker, 32, engineer; Tristen C. Harrison, 25, engineer; and Colby B. Lesage, 23, firefighter. All four have been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal JFRD investigation. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this incident does not affect their commitment to public safety. JFRD stated that the incident will have no impact on public safety or JFRD operations, and the station remains fully staffed with qualified personnel. They also emphasized that the matter involves four individuals and does not reflect the professionalism and dedication of the 1,900 firefighters who serve Jacksonville with pride.
Background Context
Prank wars between fire stations are not uncommon, but they can lead to unintended consequences. In this case, the use of paintballs resulted in damage to public property and vehicles, leading to legal repercussions for the involved personnel. The JFRD and JSO have addressed the matter, and internal investigations are underway to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
Current Status of the Arrested Firefighters
As investigations continue, the four firefighters have been reassigned to administrative duties. Both the JSO and JFRD have reassured the public that emergency services remain fully operational and that this incident is an isolated occurrence that does not reflect the overall dedication of Jacksonville’s fire service.
Community Response and Implications
The community’s response to this incident varies, with some noting the importance of maintaining a professional image in public service roles, while others acknowledge that lighthearted tradition can sometimes cross the line. Local leaders assert that the incident highlights the need for clear guidelines on workplace conduct, especially in high-responsibility roles such as firefighting.
Conclusion
This unusual episode involving JFRD personnel serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism among public servants. While occasional humor and camaraderie are vital for team bonding, maintaining decorum is crucial in public service roles. As Jacksonville continues to support its resilient firefighters, it is essential to ensure these individuals represent the best of our community’s values in their everyday actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges have the JFRD employees faced?
The four JFRD employees have been arrested on charges of criminal mischief after allegedly targeting multiple vehicles, including a JSO patrol car, with paintballs. The incidents are believed to have originated from an ongoing “prank war” between fire stations.
What is the current status of the arrested firefighters?
All four individuals have been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal JFRD investigation. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this incident does not affect their commitment to public safety. JFRD stated that the incident will have no impact on public safety or JFRD operations, and the station remains fully staffed with qualified personnel. They also emphasized that the matter involves four individuals and does not reflect the professionalism and dedication of the 1,900 firefighters who serve Jacksonville with pride.
How did the paintball incidents come to light?
On December 29, 2025, a JSO officer in the LaVilla neighborhood observed green paint splatters on his marked patrol vehicle. A civilian also reported similar damage to their car. Further investigation revealed additional paint splatters on an I-95 traffic sign, a “one-way” sign, a dumpster, and an abandoned structure. Firefighters were seen entering a nearby fire station and quickly closing the bay doors. Subsequent searches found 14 red and green paintballs on the roof of the fire station, along with used paintball shells in the driveway. The paintball gun used was reportedly a Christmas “White Elephant” gift exchange item. Initially, the firefighters used the paintball gun to shoot signs, but when it stopped working, they began throwing paintballs at each other.
What is the JFRD’s response to the incident?
JFRD stated that the incident will have no impact on public safety or JFRD operations, and the station remains fully staffed with qualified personnel. They also emphasized that the matter involves four individuals and does not reflect the professionalism and dedication of the 1,900 firefighters who serve Jacksonville with pride.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 29, 2025 |
| Location | LaVilla neighborhood, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Involved Parties | Four JFRD employees |
| Charges | Criminal mischief |
| Property Damaged | JSO patrol car, civilian vehicle, I-95 traffic sign, “one-way” sign, dumpster, abandoned structure |
| Investigation Findings | Paintballs fired from elevated location; firefighters seen entering nearby fire station and closing bay doors; 14 red and green paintballs found on fire station roof; used paintball shells in driveway; paintball gun used was a Christmas “White Elephant” gift exchange item |
| Current Status of Arrested Employees | Reassigned to administrative duties pending internal investigation |
| JFRD’s Statement | Incident will have no impact on public safety or JFRD operations; station remains fully staffed with qualified personnel; matter involves four individuals and does not reflect the professionalism and dedication of the 1,900 firefighters who serve Jacksonville with pride |
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Jacksonville Firefighters Arrested Over Paintball Pranks
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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