Chief Chip Drysdale
Operations Division
Training Division

As Chief of the Operations Division, Charles “Chip” Drysdale commands the largest function within the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. He directs more than 900 personnel who staff the department’s fire suppression apparatus, hazardous materials team, ocean lifeguards, 9-1-1 fire and rescue communications center and special operations team.

Drysdale joined JFRD in 1995, but his fire service experience dates back to 1984 as a member of the City of Jacksonville Beach’s Fire Department. Within both departments, he has fulfilled the responsibilities of field duty, field supervisor and instructor/trainer. 

Drysdale also oversees JFRD’s Training Division and has been instrumental in developing some of the academy’s most innovative training programs. He created JFRD’s Company Officer Program, which covers supervisory and leadership methodologies. Drysdale has also developed and taught courses in surface water rescue. He is an experienced lifeguard, having served 14 seasons with the Beach Patrol Division of the City of Atlantic Beach. His involvement earned the Beach Patrol advanced accreditation from the United States Lifesaving Association.

Before Mayor Alvin Brown appointed Drysdale as Chief of JFRD’s Operations Division in December 2011, Drysdale was a field chief in the city’s busiest fire district, a territory including Jacksonville’s Southside, Tinseltown/Southpoint area and portions of Arlington/Regency Square.

Drysdale, a licensed paramedic, holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Flagler College, three Associate’s degrees from Florida State College at Jacksonville and numerous fire service certifications.