{"id":209850,"date":"2026-03-28T19:09:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T19:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/209850\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T19:09:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T19:09:09","slug":"candlelight-vigil-to-be-held-at-keystone-beach-for-jfrd-engineer-who-died-in-car-crash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/209850\/","title":{"rendered":"Candlelight vigil to be held at Keystone Beach for JFRD engineer who died in car crash"},"content":{"rendered":"

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 A candlelight vigil will be held Saturday evening at Keystone Beach for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer who died in a car crash<\/a>, the family announced on social media.<\/p>\n

Colton R. Tibbetts, 23, joined the agency three years ago and in November, was promoted to engineer at just 22-years-old. <\/p>\n

RELATED: Family of 23-year-old JFRD engineer who died says they\u2019re thankful for \u2018love and support\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

The vigil will be held Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Keystone Beach in Keystone Heights.<\/p>\n

The post said that a memorial table will be set up for people to bring flowers, pictures, or anything special to honor him. People planning to attend are asked to wear white.<\/p>\n

On Friday afternoon, JFRD held a procession for Tibbetts with agencies lining the route from St. Johns County to Starke.<\/p>\n

There are moments when words fall short.<\/p>\n

Thursday was one of them.<\/p>\n

As JFRD escorted Engineer Colton Tibbetts home, the entire Northeast Florida community answered in the only way that mattered, by showing up.<\/p>\n

From St. Johns County to Starke, agencies lined the route in support\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/gLlx9ugvTL<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 THEJFRD (@THEJFRD) March 28, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a beloved son, brother, friend, and a dedicated firefighter who served our community with pride,\u201d JFRD said in a social media post. \u201cWe ask that you keep the Tibbetts family, his crew, and all members of JFRD in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office posted a tribute to Tibbetts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the utmost respect for those who put their lives on the line to protect the people of our great city. He chose public service as a career, following in his father\u2019s footsteps,\u201d JSO wrote on social media.<\/p>\n

Mayor Donna Deegan also<\/a> sent her prayers to the Tibbetts family and the entire JFRD family.<\/p>\n

\u201cJacksonville will always be grateful for his decision to serve our community and carry on his father\u2019s legacy as a firefighter,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n

The public funeral services will be held at Community Christian Church in Keystone Heights on Sunday at 4 p.m.<\/p>\n

Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n