Community Mourns Loss of Fourth-Generation Firefighter Colton Tibbetts

Candlelight vigil held to honor the life of the recently promoted Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:52pm

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The Keystone Beach community gathered on Saturday night for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Colton Tibbetts, a fourth-generation firefighter and recently promoted Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer, whose life was tragically cut short in a single-car crash earlier this week. Dozens of friends, family, and colleagues shared emotional stories and tributes to Tibbetts, remembering him as a devoted family man, avid outdoorsman, and beloved member of the local fire department.

Why it matters

Tibbetts' death has deeply impacted the close-knit Keystone Heights community, where he was known as a dedicated public servant and pillar of the fire department. His family's long legacy of firefighting service also highlights the sacrifices made by those who choose a career in public safety.

The details

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Tibbetts lost control of his vehicle on Wednesday morning and struck a sign and several trees. Tibbetts was a fourth-generation firefighter who had recently been promoted to the role of engineer with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Friends and family described him as an 'all-American guy' who loved the outdoors, sports, and spending time with his loved ones.

  • The candlelight vigil was held on Saturday night, March 29, 2026.
  • Tibbetts died in a single-car crash on Wednesday morning.

The players

Colton Tibbetts

A fourth-generation firefighter and recently promoted engineer with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident.

Jeff Feltman

A long-time family friend of the Tibbetts, who worked with Colton's father and described him as a devoted family man and proud member of the firefighting community.

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What they’re saying

“He came in shaking everyone's hand I'm Colton Tibbetts, Tibbetts I've heard this name before.”

— Jeff Feltman, Long-time family friend

“I believe in the bottom of my heart that Colton was telling his dad with that smile, and his granddad and his uncle: 'I got it from here, guys.'”

— Jeff Feltman, Long-time family friend

What’s next

Funeral services for Engineer Colton Tibbetts will be held on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Christian Church in Keystone Heights.

The takeaway

Colton Tibbetts' tragic death has left a profound impact on the Keystone Heights community, where he was known as a dedicated public servant and member of a multi-generational firefighting family. His loss highlights the sacrifices made by those who choose careers in public safety and the importance of honoring their legacies.