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

Active Duty JFRD Firefighter Tanner Gillespie passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

From our Death benefit Fund: The Board of Directors regret to inform you of the death of Fund member active-duty Firefighter Tanner Gillespie, 20, on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Gillespie began his JFRD career on July 17, 2023, as a member of Recruit Class 2-23. Upon graduation from recruit school he was assigned to Engine Company 30, "C" shift. Gillespie's father, Gene, is a retired Lieutenant with the department. We asked that you keep the Gillespie family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this most difficult time.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday November 29, 2023

Church of Eleven 22
14286 Beach Blvd.
jacksonville, FL 32250

The following is from Tanner's Girlfriend, Caroline Taylor.

My first love. Forever the love of my entire life. My heart is completely shattered. The love and strong connection I had with Tanner can never be broken or replaced. He showed me what true love is. He brought me into his family and they treated me like their own. Tanner Alan Gillespie was my person and always will be. I have never stopped loving him and will never. Tanner was not just my boyfriend but also my best friend, he was so genuine, sweet, and caring. If I ever needed anything this boy would drop whatever it was and help me. Like the numerous times I locked my keys in my car and within 10 minutes he would be there to get them out for me no matter what he was in the middle of doing or where he was. He would go out of his way to just put a smile on my face and never fail to assure me how much I meant to him and how much he loved me. Just looking into his beautiful green eyes would make all my problems go away and I can’t bear the thought of not being able to look at him again. He was so beautiful inside and out. He made me the happiest girl in this entire world. The butterflies in my stomach never went away when I looked at him and I wish I could just feel them one more time. I wish I could just lay there with him one more time while he holds me and tells me “carol everything’s going to be okay baby” with the sweetest smile. Tanner was my comfort, rock, best friend, love of my life, and my entire world for 3 and 1/2 years. He will be in my heart for the rest of my entire life. I will forever cherish our memories. Tanner loved every single one of his friends. He had the best sense of humor and the most caring heart. I will always feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have been able to love and be loved by Tanner. He accomplished his biggest goal which was becoming a fireman. He did it and I couldn’t be more proud of him after watching how hard he worked for over 2 years. I can’t believe I’m writing this but rest in peace TAG I can’t wait until I see you again and I hope you are doing everything you love in heaven and watching over us. I love you forever. You will be in my heart and mind every day the rest of my life. I will miss you so much tag.