Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department welcomed five new firefighters this week.

Josh Carlock, Ryan Slauson, Kyle Williams, Chad Wisniewski, and Ben Yeargan began a three-week department orientation on Monday, November 13. The five have 39 years combined fire service experience.

"We are excited to have these gentlemen join our MFRD family," said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks. "We are confident that their years of experience will prove to be beneficial to our department and look forward to seeing them in action!"

Meet the New Firefighters:

• Josh Carlock, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
• 10 years fire service experience
• Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, and racing
• Looks most forward to: "Joining a growing department, meeting and working with new people, and furthering [his] education in fire and EMS."
• Josh is very grateful for the opportunity to work for MFRD.

• Ryan Slauson, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic
• 5 years fire service experience
• Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors
• Looks most forward to: "A long, successful career that [he] can be proud of, gaining the training, knowledge, and experience, and meeting a bunch of great people."
• Ryan could not be more honored to join the MFRD family. "This is a dream come true. I could not be more grateful to have a career with the best department in the state.

• Kyle Williams, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
• 11 years fire service experience
• Married to Kelli with children Kady (9), Tessa (7), Collin (5), and Cole (3)
• Hobbies: Camping, cooking, golfing, baseball, exploring new places, especially parks with his family
• Looks most forward to: "Advancing in [his] career, getting to know his coworkers, and interacting with the community."
• Ever since Kyle was a kid, he had the goal of becoming a firefighter with MFRD. "I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to begin my career with such a progressive department."

• Chad Wisniewski, Emergency Medical Responder
• 9 years fire service experience
• Married to Lindsey with children Kaydence (10) and Gabriel (7)
• Hobbies: Outdoor activities, sports with the kids, and working out
• Looks most forward to: "Continuing [his] education and training as well as advancing in [his] career with a progressive department."
• Chad is excited to be a part of the MFRD family and learn as much as he can from his coworkers and superiors.

• Ben Yeargan, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
• 4 years fire service experience
• Married to Kristen with 9 month old Griffin
• Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, working out, cooking, and eating
• Looks most forward to: "Giving back and serving the community [he] grew up in."
• Ben is excited to be a part of the MFRD family that has served his own family and "been there for them in the past." He is proud to tell people he works for MFRD!