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The $65 Million Overhaul: 5 Critical Updates On Clay County Fire And Rescue’s Massive Expansion And New Goals

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The Clay County Fire and Rescue (CCFR) is currently undergoing the most transformative period in its recent history, driven by explosive population growth across Clay County, Florida. As of late 2025, the department is actively executing a massive, multi-year strategic plan backed by a significant public safety investment to dramatically improve emergency response times and service coverage for its burgeoning community.

This comprehensive overhaul is not just about new buildings; it involves a major capital investment, a bold goal for national accreditation, and a focus on critical staffing and equipment upgrades. The following is a deep dive into the most current and essential developments shaping the future of emergency services in the region, including new station construction, crucial accreditation goals, and the leadership steering the change.

Clay County Fire and Rescue Leadership and Key Statistics

The Clay County Fire and Rescue is a vital component of the Clay County Department of Public Safety, providing a full spectrum of services from emergency medical response to fire suppression and hazardous materials management. The department is led by a veteran command staff focused on modernizing operations to meet 21st-century demands.

CCFR Leadership Profile

  • Fire Chief: Lorin L. Mock. Chief Mock is a highly decorated leader with 47 years of experience in the fire service. He was recognized as the 2024 recipient of the Florida Fire Chiefs Association award.
  • Key Staff: The administration includes Assistant Chief Chris Denton and Bureau Chief Jairo Herrera, who oversees the critical Community Paramedicine Program (CPP).

Recent Operational Statistics (2025)

The call volume for CCFR remains consistently high, reflecting the area’s continuous growth. The department recorded a total of 1,791 incidents through December 2025, underscoring the constant demand for emergency services.

Recent Incident Spotlight

In a reminder of the critical nature of their work, CCFR was recently on the scene of a fatal house fire in Lake Asbury in 2025. The investigation into the accidental death and critical injury of another person is being led by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The $65 Million Public Safety Investment: New Stations and Infrastructure

The most significant and tangible development for Clay County Fire and Rescue is the massive capital improvement project that is currently underway. In 2024, the Clay County Board of County Commissioners approved a $65 million bond dedicated to public safety. This funding is being used to address decades of underinvestment and is directly targeted at improving the infrastructure necessary for rapid response.

Construction of New Fire Stations 1 and 22

A major focus of the bond is the construction of new fire stations, marking the first new station construction in the county in over 25 years.

  • Station 1: A groundbreaking and construction celebration took place in December 2024 for the new Station 1 site off Brannan Mill Boulevard.
  • Station 22 (Fleming Island): This new, five-bay fire station is being built at the corner of County Road 220 and Arena Road in the rapidly developing Fleming Island area. The addition of these stations is expected to bring quicker response times and greater coverage across the county.

Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrades

Beyond the physical stations, the $65 million investment also covers crucial infrastructure and apparatus upgrades:

  • Public Safety Radio Tower: A portion of the bond is dedicated to improving the public safety radio tower, which will help expand communication capabilities for all first responders.
  • New Apparatus: CCFR has been steadily upgrading its fleet. In April 2025, the department proudly introduced a new specialized vehicle, Heavy Rescue 15. This follows the push-in ceremony for a new Rescue-Pumper held in April 2024.

The Bold Goal: Achieving an ISO Class 3 Public Protection Classification

A key strategic objective for Clay County Fire and Rescue is the ambitious goal of improving its Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating. The ISO rating is a critical score that measures a community’s fire-suppression capabilities and directly impacts property insurance rates for residents and businesses.

From Rating 4 to Class 3

CCFR is currently operating with an ISO Rating 4. The department has set a bold goal to achieve a Class 3 ISO PPC by the third quarter of September 2025. Achieving this higher rating indicates a superior level of fire protection and can result in lower insurance premiums for property owners throughout the county, making it a major economic and safety initiative.

This goal is intrinsically linked to the $65 million expansion. The new fire stations, improved water supply infrastructure, and enhanced communication systems funded by the bond are all essential components required to meet the stringent criteria for a Class 3 rating.

Staffing, Training, and Current Challenges

While the capital projects are moving forward, the department faces the universal challenge of maintaining adequate staffing and addressing internal matters in a rapidly growing area.

Addressing Staffing and Overtime

The explosive population growth in Clay County has naturally increased the strain on existing personnel and resources. Staffing issues, including the management of overtime, have been a continuous point of discussion between the county and the firefighters union. Chief Lorin Mock has been directly involved in these discussions, acknowledging the necessity of defining and managing overtime as the department works to increase internal staffing levels. The county has also received state funding, including $1.5 million to be split for two fire stations, and has utilized federal programs such as the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program to help bolster its ranks.

Focus on Training and Professional Development

To support its personnel, CCFR has heavily invested in professional development. Customized training programs have been a focus, helping the department ring in 2025 with certified personnel. This continuous training is crucial for maintaining the high standards required for emergency medical response, wildland firefighting, and specialized vehicle operations.

Internal Investigations

The department has also been navigating internal challenges. In a specific instance, two Clay County Fire Rescue employees were placed on paid administrative leave while under investigation for alleged racial comments. This highlights the department's commitment to accountability and maintaining a professional, inclusive environment for its personnel and the community it serves.

Future Outlook and Public Safety Complex

The trajectory for Clay County Fire and Rescue is one of aggressive growth and modernization. The current $65 million expansion is a foundation, but future plans are already taking shape.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia recently presented $2 million for the planning and partial design of a proposed Clay County Public Safety Complex. This future complex will likely serve as a centralized hub for various emergency services, further integrating the efforts of the fire department, sheriff’s office, and other agencies to create a more resilient and coordinated public safety network for the entire county.

As the construction of new stations continues and the September 2025 ISO Class 3 goal approaches, the community can expect not only faster emergency response but also a more robust and modern fire and rescue service capable of meeting the demands of one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties.

clay county fire and rescue
clay county fire and rescue

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