City of Jackson, MI Fire Department

08/19/2026

08/12/2026

Meet Morgan Deyoe and her certified therapy dog, Cashew!

Several times each month, Morgan and Cashew visit Jackson Fire Department stations during shift change to provide firefighters and staff with an opportunity to interact with Cashew in a relaxed and positive environment. This collaboration was started to support mental health and overall wellness for personnel.

The demands placed on first responders can be significant. Firefighters routinely encounter traumatic events, medical emergencies, serious injuries, death, and other high-stress situations. In addition to the challenges experienced on emergency calls, firefighters work long shifts in an environment where stress, fatigue, and cumulative exposure to difficult incidents can take a toll over time. Creating opportunities for firefighters to decompress and connect in a comfortable setting is an important component of a comprehensive wellness program.

Interactions with therapy animals can provide a simple but meaningful opportunity for firefighters to step away from the demands of the job, relax, and engage with something positive. Spending time with Cashew allows personnel to take a short mental break, interact with coworkers in a different setting, and experience the calming and supportive benefits that a certified therapy dog can provide.

The timing of these visits is also intentional. Shift change provides an opportunity to reach multiple members of the department as personnel begin or end their shifts. These informal interactions help normalize conversations about stress, wellness, and mental health while reinforcing the message that taking care of oneself is an important part of being an effective first responder.

The Jackson Fire Department recognizes that firefighter wellness extends beyond physical fitness and operational readiness. Mental and emotional health are equally important to maintaining a healthy, resilient, and effective workforce. Partnerships such as this provide an additional resource for personnel and contribute to a department culture where wellness, peer support, and taking care of one another are valued.

Jackson Fire Department appreciates Morgan Deyoe for volunteering her time and bringing Cashew to the department. This collaboration is a positive example of how community partnerships can support the well-being of those who serve the community every day.

08/10/2026

FYI from the City of Jackson Department of Public Works. Also a reminder to stay away from downed wires and report wires if you see them down.

08/09/2026

Keep an eye on the skies!!

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for over 3 million people. Counties include Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties in MI, until 7:00 PM EDT. (Wind: 70, Hail: 1.0)

08/05/2026

This week, Jamie, one of the certified passenger safety techs, CPST, at our department, attended the annual CPST conference to remain certified to offer our community monthly car seat inspections.

We hope to see you next week at our monthly check!

Safe Kids West Michigan
National Child Passenger Safety Board
Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning

https://m.facebook.com/events/1770386750915113/?

08/01/2026

City of Jackson Fire was pleased to assist with a touch a truck activity today at the Relay for Life of Jackson County. JFD was on site with our friends from Summit Township Fire Department Jackson Community Ambulance and City of Jackson, MI Police Department

Crews attended and interacted with lots of participants and handed out some JFD swag!! We are looking forward to next years event!!

Thank you to the relay organizers and Minix Family Photography for some photos of our crews!!

07/31/2026

Well done to Tyler, one of our own, on his distinguished appointment to the Champions & Emerging Leaders (CEL) Group of the Vision 20/20 Advisory Council!

This honor clearly reflects Tyler's dedication, leadership, and commitment to promoting best practices in Community Risk Reduction within the fire service.

Since there are so many candidates from across the nation, Tyler has been chosen to act on behalf of the Jackson Fire Department and will be working with a diverse group of fire service professionals from different parts of the country. The CEL Group's aim is to link the field and amplify on 20/20, strengthening its shared position and providing insights to help influence the future of fire safety at local, state, and national levels.

We are very proud of Tyler for this recognition, which is fully deserved, and we look forward to the positive influence he will have both within the CEL Group and elsewhere.

We hope you'll join us in celebrating Tyler's excellent achievement!

07/31/2026

***If you happen to be visiting the new 7Brew Coffee Shop on N. West Ave this afternoon. Expect backups and long lines. Traffic backed up in the North Bound lane almost back to Argyle. ***