KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. \u2013 A public funeral service will be held Sunday to remember a promising Jacksonville firefighter whose life was cut short last week in a car crash.<\/p>\n
The services will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday at Community Christian Church in Keystone Heights, the town where 23-year-old Colton R. Tibbetts grew up<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tibbetts joined the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department three years ago, following in the footsteps of his father.<\/p>\n In November, he was promoted to engineer at just 22 years old. In a social media post, JFRD called Tibbetts\u2019 promotion ” a reflection of his commitment, work ethic, and the firefighter he was becoming.”<\/p>\n During a candlelight vigil Saturday<\/a> evening at Keystone Beach, Tibbetts\u2019 family set up a memorial table for people to bring flowers, pictures, or anything special to honor him. <\/p>\n RELATED: Family of 23-year-old JFRD engineer who died says they\u2019re thankful for \u2018love and support\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n Loved ones who helped plan the candlelight vigil shared more about how they are remembering Tibbetts.<\/p>\n \u201cColton was more than a friend, more than a son. He was a brother to so many. The kind of person who showed up, who cared deeply, and who left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him. That kind of bond, that kind of brotherhood, doesn\u2019t fade, it lives on in all of us,\u201d Preston Williams wrote in a Facebook post.<\/a><\/p>\n Tibbetts\u2019 family shared that they are extremely grateful for the love and support they have received from the community.<\/p>\n A family friend this week told News4JAX that since Tibbetts was a young child in elementary school, he was extremely respectful, kind, and very intelligent.\u2002<\/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 also 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 crash that killed Tibbetts was reported around 2:35 a.m. Wednesday on State Road 26 in Putnam County<\/a>. No other vehicles were involved.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n