Fire Department

First and foremost I must say Thank You to our citizens for allowing us to serve you, without your support and assistance we would not be able to provide you, our owners, the service we do.

In 1936 the City Commission established the Macclenny Fire Department by ordinance a city department and purchased the first new fire engine, equipped for less than $1,900.00. Today’s cost of a new engine is over $350,000.00 and a Tower Ladder Truck $850,000.00 before equipment is added. The first volunteer firefighters where paid a salary of $1.00 per fire run and the department was staffed by ten volunteer firefighters. Until the late 1970’s the Macclenny Fire Department was the only fire department within our county.

Today the department operates with full-time and part-time employees who are highly trained and dedicated to ensure the highest quality of service is provided to our citizens. The department not only protects the citizens within the city limits, but provides response to Baker County Volunteer Fire Department, other cities and counties which request mutual aid and statewide response under the State Mutual Aid Pack and the Florida Fire Chief’s Disaster Response Plan.

As Director / Chief it is my belief, that while we may save a life or property, this is the job we are paid to do. But taking a little time to assist someone in need, when we are not required to act is more important. Our citizens not only have a God given right to the very best protection we can provide, but also assistance when needed, not during an emergency. We work for you the public and are here to “Serve and Protect Your Tomorrow”.

Our city is fast changing and growing and as it changes and grows so are we. The department is continuing to add additional full-time and part-time personnel, additional equipment, apparatus, stations and increased training to ensure your safety. In 1980 the department was rated by the Insurance Service Office an I.S.O. Class 8/9, in 1983 we obtained a Class 7, then in 1991 a Class 5. Now in 2004 we have been rated by I.S.O. a Class 4 department and already planning how to obtain a Class 3 rating.

In closing, it is with great honor and respect that I salute our officers and firefighters. They are the department and without their courage, concern, level of training and willingness to act, we would not be the exemplary department we are today.

Thank you.

Daniel J. Dugger “Buddy”
Director / Chief