Four Jacksonville firefighters moved to administrative duty after paintball damage reported near Downtown Station 4
Incident near LaVilla station led to misdemeanor charges and internal review
Four Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department employees have been reassigned to administrative duties after investigators alleged they took part in a paintball incident that damaged a marked police vehicle and other property near a downtown-area fire station.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred on December 29, 2025, near Fire Station 4 in the LaVilla neighborhood. Investigators reported that a patrol officer driving near West Duval Street and North Jefferson Street noticed multiple impacts and green paint splatters on the marked vehicle. A civilian also reported that their vehicle was struck in the same area around the same time.
Investigators said paintball impacts were also found on an I-95 traffic sign, a one-way sign, a dumpster, and an abandoned structure, indicating damage beyond the two vehicles. Patrol officers reported seeing firefighters quickly enter the nearby station and close bay doors shortly after the impacts were noticed.
How the investigation unfolded
Authorities described the alleged conduct as connected to a “prank war” involving fire stations. The sheriff’s office said its Integrity Unit, which handles allegations involving city agency employees, took over the case and conducted additional investigative steps, including interviews with city employees.
Investigators reported finding paintball-related evidence at the station, including red and green paintballs and used shells in areas associated with the facility. Following the Integrity Unit’s investigation, warrants were obtained for four firefighters, and each was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief. The four were booked into the Duval County Jail.
Department response and operational impact
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue stated the four employees were reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The department characterized the allegations as personnel misconduct while on duty and said the station remained staffed with qualified personnel and that emergency services would not be affected.
The sheriff’s office has framed the case as a criminal matter tied to property damage, while the fire department’s internal inquiry is expected to address workplace conduct and any potential administrative discipline beyond the criminal process.
Key verified details
Date and location: December 29, 2025, near Fire Station 4 in LaVilla.
Reported targets: a marked police patrol vehicle and a civilian vehicle, plus multiple signs and other property.
Charges: four firefighters charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Employment status: reassigned to administrative duty pending an internal investigation.
Authorities have not reported injuries connected to the paintball incident; the case centers on alleged property damage and on-duty conduct.
The criminal cases and the internal departmental investigation are ongoing, and any additional personnel decisions are expected after the internal review is completed.