Smyrna, TN – The new Smyrna Fire Hall #4 at 5650 West Jefferson Pike was dedicated at 2:00PM Monday afternoon (1/6/2025), and after the excitement and crowd went home…the backdrop of a dark winter night gave the facility a feel of peace and beauty. That follows the mindset of Smyrna Fire Chief William Culbertson who is retiring after 35-years.

The native son said that he was always interested in being a part of the fire department in his elementary school days.

Now he looks back on those earlier years, when in 1989 he was Smyrna’s first full-time paid firefighter. But then, that was a natural fit, because Bill’s father and grandfather were both volunteers there in earlier years.

Now Smyrna’s population has exploded to around 58-thousand residents and the 12 volunteers who served when Chief Culbertson started are now numbering more than 90 paid firefighters.

He has grown the Smyrna Fire Department with love and compassion. He has instilled that feeling in how the firefighters serve the community.

As a new chapter begins with Monday's official opening of Smyrna Fire Hall #4, the community pauses to sincerely thank Chief William Culbertson for his 35-years of dedicated service.