Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department welcome 4 new Fire Trainees and 1 firefighter this week.

Milicia Cook, Richard Goodyear, Teddy Jasper, and Thomas Plaisted began a three-week orientation and then will report to the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy for 10 weeks to begin Rookie School (Basic fire training).

1 new firefighter ,Justin Anderson, will orient for 3 weeks and then will be assigned to a shift.

At the completion of the 10-week Rookie School, the Fire Trainees will be assigned to stations and will work on other training requirements to become certified Firefighters and Emergency First Responders by their one year anniversary date.

"We welcome these men and women to the MFRD," said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks. "I know they will do well and are anxious to get started!"

Meet the New Fire Trainees and Firefighter:

Milicia Cook is a native of Tennessee. A graduate of MTSU, in Elementary Education, Milicia loves to learn. She comes to our MFRD from Amazon

Hobbies include: Working out, reading, cooking, farming and working in the yard.

Reason for joining the fire service: "I have the heart for people and I love Murfreesboro!"

Looks forward to: becoming more familiar with the community and all of its people.

Richard Goodyear lives in the area after transplanting from California 10-years ago.

A former U.S. Marine Sergeant, most recently working at Fed Ex before joining the MFRD.

Richards hobby is rock climbing, an interest he shares with his three daughters.

Reason for joining the fire service: "I want to feel accomplished by giving back to our community!"

Looks forward to: "Being part of an organization with a great reputation and to become part of the MFRD family!"

Teddy Jasper is a MTSU graduate from Memphis.

He completed his degree in Social work after serving in the U.S. Army.

Teddy has a 6-year old son and his hobbies include Mixed Martial Arts, hiking, and paintball.

Teddy states that his reason for joining the department is that with his social work background, he wants to help people and make them smile along the way.

Looks forward to: "a great job with awesome benefits and because I love Murfreesboro!"

Jeffrey Plaisted, a U.S. Marine artillery operator, moved to the area 3 years ago with his wife.

He shares his passion for firefighting with his father and two brothers, all volunteer firefighters in New Jersey.

Jeff has a 3 year old son Tucker and his hobbies include hunting and fishing.

Jeff joined the department because of his time as a firefighter and he looks forward to his continued service to the community.

Firefighter Justin Anderson spent the last four years at McMinnville Fire Department after moving to the area from Ohio.

Anderson is an EMT and has a diverse background in public safety, working as not only a firefighter, but also an emergency dispatcher for White County E911.

Justin has one son, and his hobbies include running, working out, boating, softball and basketball. He loves the Ohio Buckeyes!

Reason for joining the fire service: "I wanted to be part of the most up and coming departments in the state and work for a great Chief!"

Looks forward to: " getting started in the stations and learning."