Jacksonville Fire Rescue now serving Jacksonville Beach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Herta Murphy hasn’t needed help from firefighters during her 13 years living in Jacksonville Beach.

But the mom said she knows someday that could change.

TRENDING STORIES:

Truck crashes on Jacksonville's Northside; Neighbor says driver took off 

Impeachment inquiry: Fiona Hill, David Holmes testify; live updates, livestream 

She explained, “We want to be seen immediately. We want help right away.”

As of Saturday, all the families at the beach rely on a larger department for their emergency services.

“All fire and rescue services within Duval County are now under the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department,” explained JFRD Chief Keith Powers.

Action News Jax reported in April on efforts to consolidate Jacksonville Beach’s department with JFRD.

In September, Jax Beach leaders voted to merge its 27-member department with the City of Jacksonville.

Powers told Action News Jax, “We’re going to pull them off the street for a little while and pull them into our safety training and make sure they’re up to speed on our policies, our procedures, and all of our safety training.”

Saturday, signs in Jax Beach had already been swapped out for the JFRD emblem.

According to Powers, the change comes along with new resources.

“The mayor is committed to public safety and he told me to put another rescue in service so now there’s two rescues servicing the Jacksonville  beach area,” Powers said.

The chief had a message for the families who were openly opposed to the change.

He said, “They’re going to see no change in their service.”

Murphy isn’t worried about the new arrangement.

She said she’s confident JFRD can keep her and her family safe.

PREVIOUS STORY:

• City leaders in Jacksonville Beach set to vote on fire department merger

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

Cox Media Group