Alicia Whetsell and Amanda Bragg

These two ladies worked hard, organized harder, and made RESCUE CAMP 2023 the best one yet!!! From the snacks to the drinks to the dancing, to the laughter, I know each one of the 42 kids had a blast! They learned a lot, met and made new friends, and most of all were a Blessing to all of the people they were around! It was fabulous to see the Chief, the Detectives, the Firemen, the Captains, and all the other helpers let their hair down for the betterment of the community kids! It takes a lot of work behind the scenes (aka Amanda and Alicia) to make the event so successful!! So not only from me but from Brilee and Cullen (my grandbabies) and all the other kiddos……….THANK YOU LADIES!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

- Sharon Covington

Police and Fire Department

I want to send a shout out to the men & women of JFD and JPD and all the help that each of the departments did to make Rescue Camp a success. The personnel in each department truly define the term “one team” in working together beyond usual operations and all the countless hours to get organized and execute a task such as Rescue Camp and provide the service for the youth of our community. I have had nothing but glowing reviews from the attendees and the success of the program would not be possible without the collaboration and dedication of each department. 

- Alicia Whetsell

Jeshua Mathis

I want to send a shout out to the men & women of JFD and JPD and all the help that each of the departments did to make Rescue Camp a success. The personnel in each department truly define the term “one team” in working together beyond usual operations and all the countless hours to get organized and execute a task such as Rescue Camp and provide the service for the youth of our community. I have had nothing but glowing reviews from the attendees and the success of the program would not be possible without the collaboration and dedication of each department.

- Audra Lane

Ann Boyd and Ana Vasquez

These ladies have provided such excellent customer service to the citizens of Jacksonville and beyond. The volume of calls they handle each day can be overwhelming but they both go above and beyond to help customers find either the right department within the city or a phone number if the person needs help with something that is not city related.  

- Audra Lane

Officer Juan Carlos Garcia

Officer Garcia is a team player and steps up wherever he is needed to. The last shift we worked together I got a late arrest right at the end of shift, and he stayed late with me and helped me upload paperwork and attach videos so I could complete my narrative. I never have to ask Garcia to do something, he always beats me to it and is willing to lend a helping hand. Officer Garcia exemplifies a true leader and I believe he will accomplish great things within our police department. 

- Elyse Hand

Brandon Lewis

Brandon has started in the Streets Department. Brandon was class of ‘01 from Jacksonville Highschool.  He has a beautiful wife named Bethany and two adorable children: Kenzie age 4 and her brother Kohen age 2.  He has been part of union local 798 out of Tulsa OK since 2005. Since getting married and having children, he has decided to quit chasing pipelines to stay home with his family. His favorite things to do are to fish and hunt. Please join us in welcoming Brandon to the team!

Jared Galvan - Parks

Raquel Rangel - 911 Dispatch

Aaron Richardson - Streets

David Montgomery Seguin was born to Daniel and Ashley Seguin in late-May! Please join us in welcoming him to the world! Mama is recovering well from her emergency c-section and baby is growing well!

Patrol Officer Christopher Blas and his wife Brenda welcomed a bouncing baby boy on July 06, 2023.

Camilo Alonzo Blas weighed in at 6 lbs and 1 oz

Mama and baby are doing great!

Patrol Officer James (J.R.) Grammer and wife Kourtnie purchased a new home on 06/30/2023. Congratulations J.R. & Courtney!!

Patrol Officer Trenton Steele and wife Jordan purchased a new home on 06/28/2023. Congratulations Trent & Jordan!!

Chief Fortner Retiring

Friday marked Chief Fortner's final regular day in the office. Chief Fortner will maintain availability as needed through the end of August.

We wish him well in his retirement and look forward to recognizing his service at the August City Council meeting.

Hill Receives Black Helmet

On July 13, Firefighter Kevin Hill was presented with his black helmet by Captain Ted Hunt and Lieutenant Travis Ford signifying the completion of his firefighter FTO program. A rookie no more!

Congratulations Firefighter Hill!!! We know you will serve the citizens of Jacksonville proudly!!

New Medic 1

At the beginning of June, the Fire Department took delivery of the brand-new Medic 1 Ambulance! Our fire department is working to ensure they always have a fleet of capable vehicles to serve our community.

2023 TAMI Award

In early June, the City Council Minute video series received a TAMI award for the best reoccurring video program produced by a Texas City with a population under 100,000. The award was given at the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers annual conference. Daniel's submission earned the top-spot over entries by the cities of Granbury and Bedford. This video series was started to embody Our Belief in Accessible and Transparent Governance and our commitment to Transparent and engaging communication.

Concession Park (Lake Jacksonville)

Below are 3D conceptual renderings of the Concession Park improvements coming soon. The renderings reflect the removal of the existing restrooms, concession stand, the mooring docks in the existing boat ramp, the fishing/swimming pier, and the current gas pump and dock. They also show the addition of two new mooring areas, a new gas pump, a new swimming pier, new restrooms designed after the style of Love's Lookout, a new boat ramp, and added parking for boat trailers. These renderings not for public release yet. We would love your thoughts and feedback on the park. Please email [email protected] to provide feedback!

Civic Center Updates

Demolition is underway at the Civic Center. The ballroom is being expanded and the bar area/foyer are being combined into one larger open space for events. The kitchen is being turned into two meeting rooms. We have also hired a new manager for the facility who will start in August. We hope to have the facility up and running for events starting in November!

On July 28th at 11:30, Dr. Hendrickson from UT Health will present Wellness and Establishing Health Equity and How to combat Social Obstacles to leading a healthy lifestyle. Please RSVP for the event as lunch will be provided.

Breast Cancer Screenings

On October 11th, UT Health will be offering breast cancer screenings for staff and family members covered by City health insurance. More information is coming soon including time slots and scheduling. The event starts at 8am and will be held at the Public Safety Complex at 911 S Bolton. Save the date!

Other Upcoming Trainings and Services



July 25, 2023 – 9am- Understanding Your Benefits – Higginbotham – City Council Chambers

September 7, 2023 - 9am, 11 am, and 1 pm Open Enrollment at the Jacksonville Public Library

July is Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month. A sarcoma is a rare type of malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops in bone and connective tissue, such as fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and the tissue that surrounds bones and joints. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have a mass — whether it’s painful or not — or a mass that’s larger than a golf ball (around 5 centimeters). Contact your provider if you or your child have bone pain unrelated to an injury that doesn’t improve on its own. Read more about Sarcoma below.

Coffee with a Cop

Coffee with a Cop is on July 26th. This month, it is sponsored by the Austin Bank. It will be held at at 8:00 AM.

Blood Drives

About 328 million people currently live in the U.S. Each year, approximately 6.8 million people in the U.S donate blood. Annually, this adds up to about 13.6 million units of whole blood collected for donation in the U.S. Your blood donations are used for patients in need of surgery, cancer treatment and transfusions for blood loss from traumatic injuries. 

July 19 - Mobile Drive @ UT Health

July 19 - Mobile Drive @ Cardinal Health

August 6 - Mobile Drive @ First Methodist Church

August 7 - Mobile Drive @ Tractor Supply

July 26 - Coffee With A Cop @ Austin Bank Downtown

August 8 - Coffee With A Cop @ Bannister Plumbing

August 8 - City Council Meeting

September 4 - City Offices Closed - Labor Day

September 12 - City Council Meeting

2-5 Years

Rodney Vorndam - 2 Years

Oscar Arellano - 2 Years

Araceli Hoffpauir - 2 Years

Jordan Osborne - 5 Years

Kristie Marks - 5 Years

6-10 Years

Audra Lane - 8 Years

Jamie Dorsey - 8 Years

11-19 Years

Steven Markasky - 11 Years

Chris Silvey - 13 Years

20+ Years

Ryan Chaffin - 20 Years

Daniel Parsons - 20 Years

Danny Knowlton - 29 Years!!!

Do you know anyone looking for a job? Here is a list of our open positions that you can share with them.

• Street Laborer III - Crew Leader
• Part Time Seasonal Parks Laborer
• Equipment Operator
• Police Officer
• Firefighter
• Fire Chief
• Accountant I