MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) celebrates a proud family tradition as newly graduated firefighter Kolton Slager joins the ranks, following in the footsteps of his father, Battalion Chief Wesley Slager.
It's a family affair that both father and son are more than proud to share. From a young age, Kolton Slager has seen his dad in action working as a firefighter, and now he's a firefighter himself. He says he can't see himself doing any other job.
Kolton, who graduated from the fire academy this year, credits his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter to growing up immersed in the fire service.
“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter ever since I grew up around the fire service,” said Kolton. “My dad took me to the fire stations when I was little, and I always hung out with the crew. I looked up to firefighters and loved the sense of family they have at the station. I knew it was something I wanted to do.”
Kolton’s graduation from high school and successful completion of the Physical Ability Test aligned perfectly, paving the way for his entry into the department. He now works under Captain Hunter Fite at Station 8—an especially meaningful connection, as Wesley also once worked under Fite. Fite and his father also worked at MFRD at the same time.
Wesley, a 17-year MFRD veteran and former volunteer firefighter in DeKalb County, is thrilled to see Kolton join the department. “I’m excited about him coming into the family business,” Wesley said. “They always say we have two families, and now it’s really one big family. It’s a rewarding career, and Kolton is in a unique position to carry on this legacy.”
The father-son duo is on the same shift but serves in different battalions, ensuring Kolton can develop his career under the guidance of others. Wesley’s advice to his son is straightforward yet impactful: “Keep your nose clean, keep your head down, listen, do what you’re told, and always do your best.”
Kolton carries a sense of pride in continuing the tradition and hopes to inspire future generations. “It’s a heavy weight, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Kolton said. “I want to make my dad proud, make myself proud, and carry on a family legacy so that one day my kids might join, too.”
