Murfreesboro Fire Rescue welcomed five new firefighters this week.

Taylor Fitzgerald, Cruz Macias, Jordan Limmer, Derek Rust, and Nicholas Wright began their three-week orientation on Monday. They have 32 years combined fire service experience.

"We are excited about bringing these gentlemen on board," said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks. "We are confident that their versatile years of experience, knowledge, and skills will greatly benefit our department."

Meet the New Firefighters

Taylor Fitzgerald, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

From Murfreesboro, Tennessee

5 years fire service experience

He and wife Jessica have a 17-month-old daughter, Brynlee.

Hobbies: Loves being outdoors, hunting, fishing, hanging out on the farm, and spending time with friends.

Looks most forward to: "Learning more and progressing through the department throughout a long, and hopefully successful career."

Taylor is "excited to become a part of the MFRD family!"

Cruz Macias, III, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic

From Lancaster, California

2 years fire service experience

Hobbies: Anything outside, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hanging out around a fire pit.

Looks most forward to: "Starting [his] new life in Tennessee."

Cruz is eager to "work for a department that truly cares about their firefighters and their community."

Jordan Limmer, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic

From Omaha, Nebraska

3 years fire service experience

Hobbies: Husker football, bass fishing, and CrossFit.

Looks most forward to: "Serving the people of Murfreesboro, working with new people, and furthering [his] education in fire and EMS."

Jordan wanted to work for MFRD because "it's a growing, progressive fire department in a great area with great people."

Derek Rust, Emergency Medical Responder

Manchester, Tennessee

11 years fire service experience

He and wife Nicole have two children, a five-year-old son, Braxton, and two-year-old daughter, Amelia.

Hobbies: Camping with his family, running, and riding motorcycles.

Looks most forward to: "Learning new skills and putting them to work for the citizens of Murfreesboro."

Derek is proud to work for MFRD because "it is a very progressive department that allows for a lot of growth opportunity."

Nicholas Wright, Paramedic

Millington, Tennessee

11 years fire service experience

He and wife Katie have a seven-year-old son, Dalton.

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.

Looks most forward to: "Becoming an experienced, highly-trained firefighter/paramedic and a leader in the fire service."

Nicholas described MFRD as "a department growing exponentially with the most up-to-date standards and equipment, providing the best services to the community."