From the 1973 yearbook	From the 1985 yearbook	From the 1995 yearbook	From the 2002 yearbook
From the 2019 Retiree luncheon photo album

The officers and members of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter Association are saddened to report that

Retired JFRD Engineer Wayne Doolittle passed away Friday June10, 2022.

No funeral service information is available at this time. The family has indicated that a Celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date.

Check back here for future updates.

From Nick Tison:

Wayne was a friend to many, and his love for the fire service seemed to flow through his veins. His career spanned over three decades, and his accomplishments were many including being selected Firefighter of the Year in 1987.

Wayne’s father, Charles V. Doolittle, was a dedicated volunteer fireman with the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department and enjoyed a close relationship with the City of Jacksonville Fire Department, functioning as a crew member on Engine 9 on the weekends. Because of his dad’s connection with the fire service Wayne grew up around the fire station and his desire to follow in his dad’s footsteps became a reality when he finished his enlistment in the United States Coast Guard and joined the Jacksonville Fire Department.

Wayne played a major role in the establishment of the Jacksonville Fire Museum. But perhaps Wayne’s most lasting achievement is the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial located at Fire Station 1. When Wayne’s father learned that he was terminal ill he expressed to Wayne the importance of the department establishing a memorial to honor the fallen. After his father’s death Wayne began the task of planning the memorial and worked hard to establish relationships with those whose support would prove necessary for the dream to become a reality.

Once Wayne retired, he began another crusade, the establishment of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighters Association. Today the association counts hundreds of retired firefighters as members. Wayne served as President of the association for many years before stepping down. He was also active in the Red Knights and was currently serving as Vice-President of the club.

Wayne was a behind the scenes kind of man. He frequently accompanied widows of deceased firefighters to funeral homes as they planned their loved one’s funeral arrangements and would later accompany them to the pension office and assist them as they navigated the necessary paperwork. He provided financial assistance to many in times of need. He cared deeply for the men and women of the department and proved it by his actions time and time again.

Funeral arrangements have not been made at this time but when known they will be posted here. Please join us in keeping Wayne’s surviving sons and other family members and close friends in thoughts and prayers as they deal with sudden and sad loss.