Newly modernized Fire Station 48 strengthens emergency response for community, military partners and port
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Written By Kimberly Norman
A new chapter in emergency response began at Blount Island this month as the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department cut the ribbon on its modernized and relocated Fire Station 48.
JAXPORT partnered with the City of Jacksonville to help secure federal funding for the project, recognizing that relocating and modernizing the station would be an investment in the safety and resilience of the entire community.
“When JAXPORT approached us with an opportunity to apply for a Department of Defense grant to help with the new and improved Station 48, we saw it as a smart investment opportunity in our future,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan.
The first buildings on Blount Island were constructed in the early 1970s, followed by the original Fire Station 48 in 1978. At the time, the station met the needs of the terminal and surrounding area. In the nearly five decades since, Blount Island has grown significantly, along with the responsibilities of its firefighters and the needs of the community they serve.
The new station is more than three times the size of the original facility. Its location outside the port’s secured perimeter will support faster, more reliable emergency response without requiring access through a terminal security gate.
This increased capability benefits Blount Island Command, Naval Supply Systems Command, the neighboring community as well as the port. It also strengthens the infrastructure supporting JAXPORT’s role as one of the nation’s strategic military seaports.
“Fifty years ago, this station opened its doors for the first time as a safety resource. And today, it opens again stronger, better, and equipped to serve the next generation of Jacksonville,” said JFRD Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II.
The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation’s partnership and federal investment helped make the new fire station possible.
“Investments in local infrastructure are investments in our nation’s military readiness,” said the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. “Partnerships like this ensure defense communities have the resilient, modern infrastructure they need to support our installations, our service members and the national defense mission.”
JAXPORT is grateful for the support of Mayor Deegan, the Jacksonville City Council, and the entire City team for the partnership that brought this important project to completion.
“Ultimately, this new station strengthens emergency response for everyone who works, serves and lives in this area,” said JAXPORT Chief of Staff Beth McCague. “Thank you to the firefighters of Station 48 for your service, courage and dedication. May this new facility serve you—and our entire community—safely and well for generations to come.”
