Cleotha Sanders Jr., a native Jacksonian, currently serves in the role of Deputy Fire Chief for the Office of Fire Loss Management. Chief Sanders’ essential responsibilities and duties are managing, supervising and coordinating the programs, activities and operations of each of the three divisions within Fire Loss Management. The divisions within Fire Loss Management consist of; Community Relations and Fire Safety Education, Training Safety Research and Development and the Office of the Fire Marshal. Chief Sanders is also responsible for providing complex administrative support to the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief.

Chief Sanders began his fire service career with JFD in 1998, and has risen through the ranks of the department and obtained numerous certifications to include Executive Fire Officer. Chief Sanders strongly believes that he has developed the necessary leadership skills to become a better leader in life with the achievement of each certification. Upon appointment to the command staff, Chief Sanders set an important personal ongoing goal for himself, which is to ensure that JFD is always known to everyone as a community-oriented fire department. Chief Sanders believes that this very important goal is being accomplished through yearly JFD events such as; the JFD Citizen’s Fire Academy, the JFD Summer Boot Camp, and the JFD Toy Drive for community families needing a helping hand. Chief Sanders also manages the JFD Facebook Page and encourages everyone to follow JFD to stay connected.

Chief Sanders attributes his career to his parents who taught him strong work ethics, proper ethical behavior and integrity always. Chief Sanders views his position of service to the department as a blessing, and thanks God for this platform of the fire service in which he believes ultimately allows him to walk out his life purpose of serving God by serving others.