Detroit Fire Commissioner Jackson resigning because of life-threatening condition

Detroit Fire Commissioner Jonathan Jackson, who oversaw important reforms under Mayor Mike Duggan, is retiring after just four months on the job because of a life-threatening brain condition.

Jackson’s sudden departure is sad news for a department that has almost universally supported its new leader, a rarity at a time when firefighters are working with 10% pay cuts and inadequate equipment and staff.

Jackson, who survived eight hospitalizations when he was a firefighter, said he plans to resign April 7.

“I truly appreciate the opportunity that Mayor Duggan gave me to lead the department I served my entire career,” Jackson told reporters today. “Unfortunately, I have been dealing with some very serious health challenges that have only gotten worse over the past several weeks. After talking it over with my family, we felt it was best for me to step aside at this time and focus on my health.”

Jackson, who has been described by colleagues as ambitious, smart, tough, effective and earnest, responded immediately to the call for change, leading to more arson arrests and improved EMS response times . He replaced Commissioner Donald Austin, whose Dec. 31 resignation came amid widespread criticism of his handling of the city’s fire crisis.

Mayor Duggan said he accepted Jackson’s resignation with sadness.

“Jonathan has had a distinguished and heroic career at the Fire Department and has served citizens extremely well as their Executive Fire Commissioner,” Mayor Duggan said.
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“It could not have been an easy decision for him to retire before his efforts were able to bear fruit, but I understand and support his decision completely. What is most important right now is for him to get healthy and enjoy his retirement with his family.”

Replacing Jackson won’t be easy.

Detroit’s Fire Department is often considered the busiest in the nation, with more than 80% of the fires started intentionally. The city averages more than 20 fires a day.

In 2012, firefighters’ wages were cut 10%, arsons were drastically underreported and seven fire stations were permanently closed as part of a $24-million reduction in the department’s budget. Most of those stations have since been broken into and stripped over scrap metal.

The Motor City Muckraker has been examining the fire department over the past two years, revealing poor leadership, an inadequately staffed department and firefighters who are forced to work without the proper safety equipment or working trucks and engines.

 Mayor Duggan said Jackson’s impact on the department has been swift.

“In just a few short months Commissioner Jackson has helped to lay the ground work for significant service improvements that residents will begin to see in the near future, including faster EMS response times, a more aggressive approach to dealing with arsonists and improvements to our ambulance fleet,” Duggan said. “I commend Jonathan for his distinguished service and wish him all the best.”

Mayor Duggan will be searching for a replacement.

  commissioner jackson, detroit, Fire department, mayor duggan

Steve Neavling

Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.

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