JCFR earns top pediatric readiness honor, builds on statewide EMS rating
By: Shelia Mader
Jackson County Fire Rescue continues to gain statewide recognition, most recently earning a top distinction for pediatric emergency care while still riding the momentum of being named Florida’s Rural EMS Provider of the Year.
The department has been recognized by the Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program as a Gold Tier agency for Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness, the highest level of pediatric readiness in the state.
Jackson County Fire Rescue is one of just 14 agencies statewide to receive the designation and one of only a few from rural communities. In fact, the department is the smallest agency to earn the distinction among nearly 400 licensed EMS agencies in Florida.
Fire Chief Charlie Brunner said the recognition reflects the department’s commitment to staying prepared, even for the calls they see less often.
“We don’t respond to calls for kids as much as we do adults,” Brunner said. “And so, it’s paramount that our EMTs and paramedics stay sharp in their skills, their medication dosing, how we handle, and we safely transport these kids to definitive care.”
The Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program evaluates agencies on training, protocols, equipment, and preparedness for treating children in emergency situations. Pediatric calls tend to be relatively infrequent, which makes maintaining those specialized skills more challenging.
By meeting the program’s rigorous standards, officials say Jackson County Fire Rescue has demonstrated a proactive approach to ensuring children receive high-quality care when it matters most. Research shows pediatric-ready systems are linked to improved outcomes and lower mortality rates.
The recognition followed an on-site verification visit that included scenario-based evaluations and a detailed review of the department’s operations, training, and community programs.
“This achievement reflects the dedication, preparation, and heart our crews bring to serving every member of our community, including our youngest patients,” Brunner said.
Division Chief Johnny Padgett added that the recognition is the result of a department-wide effort. “Rural agencies face unique challenges, but our team has risen to meet them with innovation, training, and an unwavering commitment to service,” Padgett said. “This recognition belongs to every member of our department.”
Special decals will now be added to the department’s ambulance fleet to reflect the Gold Tier status, something officials say serves as both a point of pride and a morale boost for personnel.
The latest honor builds on a major milestone earlier this year, when Jackson County Fire Rescue was named Florida’s Rural EMS Provider of the Year on January 7, 2026, a statewide recognition that underscores the department’s overall excellence in emergency medical services.
Together, the awards highlight a consistent focus on training, innovation, and service, positioning Jackson County Fire Rescue as a leader not only in rural EMS, but across the entire state.
