New fire chief outlines staffing and station priorities; council hears $2M award tied to roof work

Rayshawn O’Thomas, confirmed Sept. 30 as fire chief for the City of Jackson, told the council he has roughly 26 years with the Jackson Fire Department and prior service in the U.S. Marine Corps, and that he has led firefighters as a union president.

“I'm experienced to being on the Jackson Fire Department, heavy decorated firefighter,” O’Thomas said in his remarks. He told council members that the combat‑qualified force totals “approximately 234 firefighters,” and described a distinction between combat firefighters and day‑worker support staff.

Council questions focused on staffing, the condition of fire stations and plans to improve morale and resources. Chief O’Thomas said he wants the department staffed “to the proper staffing” levels and to make sure apparatus are ready and firefighters have what they need. He described his leadership style as grounded in Christian values and Marine Corps principles of “honor, courage and commitment.”

Mayor Horne and the chief told council they are prioritizing roofing repairs at fire stations because the city received a $2,000,000 award from the Capital Complex Improvement District for an early‑warning system that cannot be installed if buildings have active roof leaks. “The roofs are top priority and then we'll get to the rest of the improvements thereafter,” the mayor told council during the discussion.

Council members suggested public‑private partnerships to rehabilitate station buildings, citing an earlier public‑school partnership at Station 17 as a model. Chief O’Thomas said he intends to work with the mayor, the council and firefighters to boost morale and address workplace concerns.

Ending

The council unanimously confirmed O’Thomas. Members said they expect future briefings on staffing levels, station conditions and timelines for roof work and early‑warning system installation.