23-year-old firefighter Colton Tibbetts, who was killed in a crash in Melrose, continued a four-generation legacy of service.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A young firefighter from a long line of service members is being remembered for his dedication, respect, and love for the job after a deadly crash early Wednesday morning.
Rescue Engineer Colton Tibbetts, 23, died after a crash along State Road 26 in Melrose, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
His death has left a family of firefighters grieving, while also reflecting on the legacy he carried forward.
Colton Tibbetts grew up surrounded by the fire service.
His uncle, Jason Tibbetts, who has served as a firefighter for 21 years, said becoming a firefighter felt natural for Colton after watching generations of his family wear the uniform.
“I know when he decided to become a firefighter, my brother was very proud of him for that, and I was too,” Jason Tibbetts said. “I mean, the whole family was.”
According to his uncle, Colton was a fourth-generation firefighter, continuing a legacy that stretches back decades.
“It started all the way back to my great-grandfather,” Jason said. “My father was a firefighter, along with his brother, and then myself and my brother Brian — we’re firefighters. We have cousins who are firefighters. It just goes on and on.”
As a child, Colton often visited fire stations and played with toy helmets, early signs of what would become his future career.
Tibbetts joined the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department in July 2022.
Just months before his passing, he reached a major milestone, earning a promotion to rescue engineer in November.
His uncle said the promotion held special meaning because he shares the same role.
“He got his paramedic certification, and then he became an engineer, which was kind of near to my heart because I’m an engineer up here,” Jason said in a Zoom call from Indiana. “I was just so proud of him for being able to accomplish that at such a young age. All he could do was go up from where he was at.”
Before joining JFRD, Tibbetts also volunteered with Putnam County Fire Rescue, serving the same Melrose community where he would later lose his life.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday on State Road 26 in Melrose.
Troopers said Tibbetts was driving home from Gainesville when his vehicle struck a road sign and multiple trees. The car overturned and caught fire on the shoulder of the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
When Jason learned what happened, he said the news didn’t feel real.
“I was shocked,” he said. “For a second, I thought it was an April Fool’s joke. And I’m like, it’s not April yet.”
Although distance separated them, with most of the family living in Indiana, Jason said he cherished the moments he had with his nephew.
Some of his favorite memories include attending Colton’s Little League games and traveling to Florida to watch him graduate from the fire academy.
During that ceremony, Colton’s father pinned his badge, continuing a tradition that spanned generations.
“My brother pinned the badge on Colton, and it brought back memories of my father putting my badge on me when I graduated,” Jason Tibbetts said.
Colton also leaves behind a younger brother, Austin, who serves in the Air Force, continuing the family’s tradition of service.
Jason said his nephew was known for his personality and determination.
“He was a great kid, very well-mannered, very motivated, very respectful,” he said. “He was just taken away too soon.”
Jason said the loss has been especially difficult for the family, which is still grieving the death of Colton’s grandfather just over a year ago.
Colton had been very close with him, and becoming a firefighter made his grandfather proud, his uncle said.
Now, the family is leaning on each other and the community for support.
“They’re holding up as best they can,” Jason said of Colton’s parents. “Under the circumstances, he’s doing the best that he can.”
Jason said he hopes people remember his nephew for the dedication he showed to helping others.
“When I look at the outreach from people down there, just how much dedication he had to his job, that’s how I want him remembered,” he said.
Funeral arrangements for Colton Tibbetts have not yet been announced.
JFRDe officials say details will be shared once they are finalized.
His family says they are grateful for the support they’ve received and for the many prayers sent their way during this difficult time.