Jacksonville Retired Firefighter Association
Chief Gary France Keys, Sr., 76, passed away December 23, 2014 after a lengthy illness.
Gary was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville and graduated Andrew Jackson High School
in 1957. He joined the Jacksonville Fire Department in 1960 and, in 1967, he became
a member of the first rescue unit of what is now known as Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
Division (JFRD). Through his 29 years of service at JFRD, Gary rose through the ranks
becoming Jacksonville's deputy director of public safety and top fire chief before
retiring in 1989. He received numerous awards of honor for his heroic acts and saving
lives. Gary also was elected as JFRD's Local 122 Union president for three terms
during which time he became known and respected for his outstanding leadership and
tough negotiation skills. In the 1980's and 90's, he was a key player in the local,
state and national political scene, leading efforts to help many politicians win
elections. Throughout his life, Gary was known for his storytelling, quick wit, love
of Lord Calvert Canadian Whiskey, and for always helping others when times were tough.
Whenever he was around, there was always laughter and an abundance of friendship.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion France Jimmy Keys & Helen Jones Keys
and a brother, Michael Jones Keys and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly
Willhelm Keys; 4 children: Gary Keys, Jr. (Kathy), Kimberly Keys, Mark Keys (Mitzi)
and Matthew Keys; 3 sisters: Jo-
Pictures by Wayne Doolittle
Gary joined the Jacksonville Fire Department on September 2, 1960, as the Department
switched from the one on – one off duty cycle to the 3 shift system. Gary was originally
assigned to Station 9. He later served as Chief’s Aide to then District Chief James
Dowling for 3 years. He was later transferred to Station 1. until he was one of
the first Fire Fighters designated as a “Ambulance Driver”, when the mission of emergency
medical response was assigned to the Fire Department in May of 1968. Following a
short assignment at Station 10, Gary was transferred to the Jacksonville International
Airport. Promoted to Fire Lieutenant in 1972, Gary was assigned to Training Academy
prior to reassignment to Squad 19. In 1974 he was promoted to Fire Captain and reassigned
to Station 16 at Jacksonville International Airport. Gary was transferred to the
Marine Activity in the late 1970’s, commanding both Marine 1 and 2. He was appointed
Chief of Fire Operations by former Mayor Jake Godbold in 1981, reassigned to Chief
of Fire Services in 1986. In 1988, former Mayor Tommy Hazouri appointed Gary to
the position of Fire Chief -
Gary also served the Jacksonville Association of Fire Fighters as a 4 year Member of the Executive Board, followed by 3 terms as President. Upon retirement as Fire Chief, he became the Business Agent of the Union.
May he rest in Peace.
John Keane