UPDATED - (Rutherford County, TN) New recruits hired as firemen at the growing Rutherford County Fire & Rescue Department are beginning their third week of training this week (Feb. 12, 2023) after conquering week two last week. During their second week recruits focused on Engine Company Operations. The recruits learned details about the operation of the county fire departments hose & nozzle packages, the basics on stretching and operating hose lines, long lines and extended stretches. Click above photo to see multiple pictures. 

State skills testing preparation began during their second week of training. Educators for the courses, whom are also firemen themselves, focused on understanding the importance of a firefighters Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), which is an important life-saving topic for the firemen who risk their lives daily to save others from burning buildings and cars. Everything from SCBA facepiece donning drills, to hose line advancement evolutions for 1st floor, 2nd floor, and basements.

While some recruits have previously completed training at the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy in Deason, Tennessee, the classes taught by Rutherford County Fire & Rescue are equally important to not only build skills on the equipment they will be using, but also to build comradery with the new firemen they will be working side-by-side with during each and every shift.  

Rutherford County Fire and Rescue Recruit Class 23-01 began training about 3-weeks ago with a message by County Mayor Joe Carr and Chief Larry Farley, both welcoming-in the newest hires for the county. Chief Larry Farley is the first Fire Chief for the Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department which was established on July 1, 2010. Carr is the newly elected Mayor of Rutherford County who first assumed office on September 1, 2022. 

The newest fire fighters for Rutherford County, who will graduate from their courses in about 9-weeks, include Ethan Hassell, Sammy McCurry Walker, Eric Rowland, Michael Harris, Anthony Stramaglia, Samuel Gordon, Wesley Pruitt, Brian Cummings, Luke Mitchell, Chase Tramell, Liam Homka, Schylar Burgess, Cameron Bogle, Sean Mechling, Ronald Miller, Corbin Powell, Samuel Luker, Cohen Bennett, and Kyle Frazier. Once the recruits complete their 12-week academy, they will be released to shifts throughout Rutherford County.

Additional WGNS NEWS Stories: 

• Today’s Audio Commentary in the Commissioner Corner with Craig Harris
• Rutherford Co. School Spotlight: LaVergne High School
• 4-Vehicle Rollover Accident in Smyrna Area this past Saturday
• One Person and Three Pets Die in Rutherford Co. Area House fire
• Serious Auto Accident in Murfreesboro this Past Friday