The Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefit Fund announced Wednesday the death of JFRD Rescue Engineer Colton R. Tibbetts, 23, who died in a single-vehicle crash in the early morning hours of March 25, 2026.
Tibbetts was hired July 8, 2022, as part of Recruit Class 322 and was promoted to rescue engineer on Nov. 1, 2025.
He was the son of recently retired Lt. Brian Tibbetts and Jody Tibbetts and came from a family of firefighters.
Advertisement
Advertisement
A photo shared by the department shows Tibbetts with his parents and brother on Oct. 6, 2022, the night he graduated from recruit training.
Officials asked the community to keep Tibbetts’ family, friends and co-workers in their thoughts and prayers as they cope with the sudden loss. Funeral arrangements will be announced once finalized.
The Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefit Fund is not an official part of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (JFRD) but members must be active or retired members of the JFRD.