08/24/2026
As we share today’s press release announcing that the John R. Keppler Jr. Training Facility has once again passed its annual state safety inspection, we want to highlight how important this facility is to our entire public safety community.
Flagler County’s Training Facility is utilized almost daily by multiple agencies, including:
• Flagler County Fire Rescue
• Flagler County Sheriff's Office
• Palm Coast Fire Department
• Flagler Beach Fire Department
• Bunnell Police Department
This shared training ground plays a critical role in preparing our firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders for real‑world emergency situations. By meeting stringent state standards year after year, the facility helps ensure that those who serve and protect our residents can train safely, effectively, and professionally.
We’re proud of the teamwork, dedication, and commitment to excellence shown by every agency that uses this facility and proud to see it once again recognized as a certified, compliant training center in the State of Florida.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐅𝐂𝐅𝐑 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
August 24, 2026 – Flagler County Fire Rescue takes its training, and safety, seriously.
This has been demonstrated and confirmed by the Florida State Fire Marshals’ announcement that the John R. Keppler Jr. Training Facility meets the state’s standards and has been certified as compliant with “all sections of Florida statute, Chapter 633, and all applicable sections of the Florida Administrative Code.” This includes FAC 69AJ37.060, which governs standards for Florida fire training centers.
“We are proud to announce that our training facility has successfully passed its annual safety inspection,” said Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “This annual inspection is a crucial part of ensuring our firefighters train in an environment that meets the highest safety and professional standards.”
Assistant Superintendent Eugenia Tucker (no relation to the chief) of the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training confirmed the department’s full compliance and awarded the training center’s certification. This certification recognizes the John R. Keppler Jr. Training Facility as an approved fire training center within the State of Florida.
“We look forward to working with you to continue providing essential training in a safe and productive facility,” Eugenia Tucker said.
The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Bureau of Fire Standards and Training oversees statewide compliance to ensure fire rescue agencies operate safely and effectively.
“Flagler County Fire Rescue’s continued certification demonstrates its dedication to upholding these rigorous standards year after year,” Chief Tucker said. “We remain committed to maintaining excellence, protecting our personnel, and delivering the highest level of service to our community.”
