Jacksonville, Florida, January 27, 2026
Five firefighters from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department have been reassigned to administrative duties following a paintball incident that damaged police vehicles and traffic signs. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the situation, which suggests a prank among fire stations. Four firefighters have been arrested and face misdemeanor charges. The department assures that public safety will not be affected during the investigation.
Jacksonville Firefighters Reassigned Following Paintball Incident
Jacksonville, Florida – Five Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) firefighters have been reassigned to administrative duties following a paintball incident near a downtown fire station. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) initiated an investigation after paintballs struck a police patrol car, traffic signs, and a civilian vehicle in the LaVilla neighborhood on December 29, 2025.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred when an officer noticed green paint splatters on his marked patrol vehicle. A civilian driver reported similar damage in the same area. Investigators found paint splatters on the roadway, a traffic sign, and several locations around the area, suggesting the paintballs came from an elevated location. Firefighters were seen entering a nearby fire station and quickly closing the bay doors after the incident. On the roof and driveway of the fire station, investigators discovered 14 red and green paintballs and used shells, indicating that a “prank war” between fire stations may have sparked the incident.
Reassignments and Investigations
Following the investigation, four firefighters were arrested on misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief and booked into the Duval County Jail. These individuals have been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal JFRD investigation. A fifth firefighter has also been placed on administrative leave as part of the ongoing investigation. JFRD emphasized that the incident will not impact public safety or department operations.
Background Context
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability. The department values the trust the community places in its personnel and is dedicated to ensuring that all members uphold these standards.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | December 29, 2025 |
| Location | LaVilla neighborhood, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Involved Parties | Five JFRD firefighters |
| Charges | Misdemeanor criminal mischief |
| Reassignments | Five firefighters reassigned to administrative duties |
| Impact on Public Safety | No impact on public safety or department operations |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the paintball incident?
On December 29, 2025, paintballs struck a police patrol car, traffic signs, and a civilian vehicle near a downtown fire station in Jacksonville.
How many firefighters have been reassigned?
Five JFRD firefighters have been reassigned to administrative duties in connection with the incident.
What charges have been filed against the firefighters?
Four firefighters have been arrested on misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief.
Will this incident affect public safety?
JFRD has stated that the incident will not impact public safety or department operations.
What is JFRD’s stance on this matter?
JFRD is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability, valuing the trust the community places in its personnel.
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
