Marion County Fire Rescue

October 9, 2026: **Jex Huxoll -- Fire Chief**

Marion County Fire Rescue had a very special visitor as Jex Huxoll stepped into the role of Fire Chief for a Day! Jex was presented the "Fire Chief for a Day" through an auction at Grace Christian School. His "Gigi" bid on the experience package.

Jex kicked off his morning at MCFR Headquarters, where he met with Fire Chief James Banta and Deputy Chief Robert Graff. Chief Banta welcomed Jex to the team with an official MCFR T-shirt, while Chief Graff presented him with a Deputy Chief challenge coin!

With his new gear and leadership credentials in hand, it was time to get to work!

Jex headed to Rolling Greens Station #28, where he met with our firefighters and members of the Special Operations SWAT Medic Team. During his VIP station tour, Jex got a firsthand look at life inside the firehouse.

And he wasn't just there to watch! Jex jumped right into the action, hitting the gym with our firefighters and even showing off his strength by knocking out some impressive one-arm push-ups!

The excitement didn't stop there! Jex climbed aboard a fire engine for a ride and even got the opportunity to operate a hose from one of our grass trucks, putting some water on the ground like a true firefighter!

Chief Jex, you made quite an impression on our crews! Your enthusiasm, energy and willingness to jump right into the action made this a memorable day for everyone involved.

Thank you for spending the day with your MCFR family. We hope you enjoyed being Fire Chief for a Day as much as we enjoyed having you!

Who knows? We may have just met a future MCFR Fire Chief! ❤️🚒

October 9, 2026: **Firehouse Friday – The Villages Station #10**

-The Crew
The Villages Station #10 is home to 24 dual-certified firefighters dedicated to serving their community with professionalism and pride.

-By the Numbers
In 2025, Station #10 answered 10,537 calls for service while covering their 27.2-square-mile primary response zone. They also provide critical backup to Belleview Station #18, Weirsdale Station #27, Spruce Creek Station #30, and Marion Oaks Station #24.

-Service & Impact
From medical emergencies to fire suppression and beyond, Station #10 plays a vital role in keeping the citizens and visitors of Marion County safe.

-Thank You
A sincere thank you to the hardworking crews of The Villages Station #10 for their continued dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence in service.

October 8, 2026: **FL USAR Task Force 8 Deploys**

Florida Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Force 8 has deployed to the Florida Panhandle in preparation for the potential impacts of Hurricane Isaias.

The 25-member team comprises highly trained technical rescue specialists from Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR), Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) and Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR).

Deploying as a Type 4 Urban Search and Rescue Team with swift water rescue capabilities, these specialized personnel are equipped and prepared to conduct water rescues, search and rescue operations, and other emergency response missions following the storm's landfall.

These dedicated first responders bring extensive training, specialized equipment and experience to assist communities impacted by severe weather and flooding.

"When disaster strikes, our commitment to protecting lives extends well beyond Marion County," said MCFR Fire Chief James Banta. "We are proud of the men and women of Task Force 8 who are answering the call to assist our fellow Floridians during their time of need."

Please join us in wishing these brave men and women a safe deployment as they stand ready to help those affected by the storm.
WFTV Channel 9 WESH 2 News News 6 WKMG / ClickOrlando FOX 35 Orlando WCJB TV20 News News/Talk 97.3 THE SKY Newstalk-WOCA Ocala Gazette Ocala StarBanner The Villages-News.com Ocala-News.com

October 8, 2026: **MUSAR Trench Rescue Training**

Recently, members of the Marion County Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team took part in specialized MUSAR Trench Rescue training hosted by SoFlo Technical Rescue Training.

Trench emergencies are complex, technical incidents that require specialized knowledge, equipment, and teamwork. During the training, our Technical Rescue Team worked through the challenges associated with trench rescue operations, strengthening their skills and preparing for the situations where every decision matters.

Specialized training like this helps our team stay ready to respond when our community needs us most.

We’re grateful to SoFlo Technical Rescue Training for providing our team with valuable hands-on training and helping us continue to build our technical rescue capabilities.

October 7, 2026: **EMS Crews in Action**

When the call comes in, our EMS crews are ready to move.

Every day, the men and women of Marion County Fire Rescue respond throughout our community, providing advanced life support care, critical interventions, and compassionate patient care when people need it most.

From the moment our crews arrive, they assess the situation, make critical decisions, provide lifesaving treatment, and work together to give every patient the best care possible.

It takes training, teamwork, experience, and dedication; and our crews bring all four to every call.

Ready when our community calls.

October 6, 2026: **Marion County Proclaims October 4–10 as National Fire Prevention Week**

Today, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners officially proclaimed October 4–10, 2026, as National Fire Prevention Week in Marion County.

This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower™,” reminds us that fire safety starts at home.

Marion County Fire Rescue is proud to work year-round to educate our community, prevent fires, and keep residents safe. This week, take a moment to test your smoke alarms, practice safe charging habits, and talk with your family about fire safety.

Thank you to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners for recognizing the importance of fire prevention and supporting MCFR’s commitment to keeping our community safe.

October 5, 2026: **Happy World Teachers’ Day**

Today, on World Teachers’ Day, Marion County Fire Rescue is taking a moment to recognize the people who help us learn, grow, and become better firefighters and EMS professionals.

To all of our instructors and members of our Training Department, thank you for the time, experience, and dedication you pour into developing the next generation of first responders. Your commitment helps ensure our crews are prepared for whatever call comes through the door.

We also want to recognize the senior members of our MCFR family who continue to share their knowledge, experience, and lessons learned with those coming up behind them. Every time you take a moment to teach, explain, demonstrate, or share a story from your years in the fire service, you're helping build a stronger team.

In the fire service, knowledge isn't meant to be kept, it's meant to be passed on.

To everyone who takes the time to teach, coach, mentor, and lead: thank you for investing in our people and helping prepare those who will answer the call.

October 4, 2026: **Crews Used Drone, to Help Extinguish Two-Story Structure Fire**

Yesterday at 3:16 p.m., Marion County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the area of SW 27th Avenue and SW 87th Place, Ocala, for reports of a residential structure fire. Callers reported flames coming from the windows of a two-story home, with heavy smoke and flames visible from the roadway.

Shady Station #16 arrived at 3:20 p.m., to find a two-story, home with heavy fire and smoke conditions.

Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines and worked to establish a water supply in an area without nearby hydrants. A second line was advanced to the second story as crews worked to contain the fire.

Shady Station #16 crews deployed a drone to identify hot spots throughout the building while additional crews from Belleview Station #18, Majestic Oaks Station #23, Marion Oaks Station #24, Spruce Creek Station #30 and Liberty Station #32, worked on extinguishing the fire and hot spots.

The fire was under control at 3:46p.m. The cause and origin remains under investigation. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported on scene.