RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Earlier this year, on March 26, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) announced the retirement of Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Gary Farley. This marked the end of a distinguished career of public service - spanning four decades that began in 1984 at Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue.
In recognition of his exceptional service, State Representative Mike Sparks proposed a proclamation to the Tennessee General Assembly, honoring Farley's contributions. The proclamation, signed by Governor Bill Lee, was finalized 42 days after Farley's retirement announcement...
Farley received a heartfelt surprise when Representative Sparks honored him live on WGNS radio... Rutherford County Commissioner Pettus Reed highlighted Farley's dedication to helping his local community...
Farley's commitment to public service was further evident through his efforts to secure increased funding for volunteer fire departments in rural areas... Many of the rural communities lack jobs, thus increasing the poverty rate, which decreases fundraising abilities for the volunteer departments. In those areas it's tough for volunteer fire departments to address the most essential needs of a firefighter - - their protective clothing...
Among Farley's notable achievements was the introduction of a marina inspection program aimed at ensuring the safety of families at boat docks... His consistent advocacy for fire safety and codes has made a significant impact, though it’s impossible to quantify the number of lives saved. This overall success is due to the safety programs and grants he championed for, equaling fire and safety equipment in sometimes impoverished areas.
Retired Murfreesboro Fire Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Ken Honeycutt commended Farley for always making the right decisions in his role... Keith Bratcher, a retired captain from Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue, fondly remembered educating local students with Farley in the late 1980s...
Farley's influence extended beyond Murfreesboro, as former State Senator Jim Tracy, Senior Advisor to the Commissioner at TDCI, recalled their statewide travels delivering funds to rural volunteer fire departments...
THE PROCLAMATION - Representative Mike Sparks introduced the proclamation naming Farley on April 16th of this year, followed by lawmakers casting the approving vote in the State House on April 18th with 93 Ayes and 0 Nays. 6-Days after its introduction, the measure was placed before the Senate, receiving 28 Ayes and 0 Nays. As the proclamation continued to advance, it was signed by the House Speaker on April 29th, signed by the Speaker of the Senate on April 30th and transmitted to Governor Bill Lee for action on May 1st. The Proclamation received the Governor's final approval with his official signature on May 7, 2024.
BACKGROUND - A 1976 graduate of Oakland High School, Farley began his career as a firefighter for the City of Murfreesboro in 1984. He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief of Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department in 1994 and promoted again to its Operations Chief in 1998. Farley served as a Rutherford County Commissioner from 1994 to 2014 and served on the Rutherford County Planning Commission from 2006 to 2010. He currently serves on the Rutherford County Board of Zoning Appeals.
In his retirement, Farley expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and support he received throughout his career...
