The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee unanimously confirmed a slate of appointments at its Nov. 3 meeting, approving the nomination of Terrence Holmes as head of training for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and reappointing community members to elder and planning bodies.

Chief Terrence Holmes, introduced under bill 20250740, told the committee he is a 23-year veteran of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue with a bachelor’s degree in fire administration and certifications including Fire Officer III and Instructor I. “My training and mentoring others started before this appointment, and it would continue after this appointment,” Holmes said, adding that modern recruit training requires mental-health awareness and new technology to reach younger candidates.

The committee voiced unanimous support for Holmes. Past President Ron Salem and Past President Randy White said they were impressed with his record; Council Member Terrence Freeman and others praised his mentoring experience. The committee recorded a 7-0 vote to approve bill 20250740.

The panel also approved two reappointments to the Council on Elder Affairs. Annie Battle (bill 20250784) said she represents District 14 and described her outreach work to help seniors understand benefits; when asked about attendance during her prior term, Battle said she recalls missing “really one” meeting due to a death in the family. Taria Robinson, Chief of Senior Services, told the committee that attendance records for 2025 are available but records from mid-2024 were not attainable after a prior executive director left the office. Council members noted the personnel transition and accepted Robinson’s explanation. The committee approved bill 20250784 by a voice vote recorded 7-0.

Dr. Harlena Washington was reappointed to the Council on Elder Affairs under bill 20250785. Washington said she has served nearly two years, conducts outreach such as health fairs, and noted her 25 years of military service. The committee approved bill 20250785 by a 7-0 vote.

The committee also confirmed Joshua Garrison to the Planning Commission (bill 20250793). Garrison, a land-development manager with prior service on the Planning Commission and on the Downtown Investment Authority, said he values property rights but told Council Member Mike Gay the commission should not be a “rubber stamp” and must weigh neighbors’ interests. The committee approved the appointment 7-0 and the chair said council members will publicly recognize appointees at the full council meeting on Tuesday.

No public comment cards were filed for the meeting. The chair noted he will perform additional vetting on public-safety appointments going forward and asked staff to continue improving recordkeeping for advisory bodies.