Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department

RCFR logo

 

The Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department is an all-hazards organization serving the fourth largest County in the state of Tennessee.  We are a progressive, citizen-first Department with highly trained personnel.

The mission of the Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department is to provide the highest quality of services to residents and visitors through commitment to training, leadership and professionalism with integrity, teamwork and dedication.

Department History

Prior to 2010, fire protection in Rutherford County outside municipal city limits was provided by 11 all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit fire departments.  These departments were not associated with the County and provided fire protection services under contract with Rutherford County to their respective districts. 

In 2010, the County Government created a County-wide fire department merging several of these volunteer organizations under a new County agency.  Between 2010 and 2014, The Rutherford County Fire Department continued to operate as a volunteer fire department with Fire Chief.  In 2014, the County was awarded a SAFER grant allowing for the hiring of the first 12 full-time Firefighters (4 per shift with 3 shifts).  At that time, the Rutherford County Fire-Rescue Department operated out of one station on Barfield Road.  With the merger of the Walter Hill Volunteer Fire Department, a second full-time station was added in 2016.  In 2019, Rutherford County EMS Special Operations was merged with Rutherford County Fire Rescue adding a third full-time station.  In 2020-2021, The County Commission approved the construction of six new Public Safety Buildings. 

Today, RCFR serves Rutherford County with 97 full-time personnel out of 5 stations and continues to grow to meet the high demand for services in one of the State's fastest growing counties.

News

 

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(L-R) Rutherford County Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders, United States Marshal for the Middle District of Tennessee Denny King

Rutherford County Fire Marshal Sworn in as ATF Task Force Officer   

Rutherford County – TN (December 11, 2023)  Rutherford County Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders was sworn in as a U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Task Force Officer Friday. 

This is the first time in the history of the Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department for one of its own to be selected to serve as a federal task force member.  Sanders joins officers from other Rutherford County law enforcement agencies already serving as Task Force Officers and will be assigned to the ATF Arson and Explosives Task Force in Nashville. 

He will assist with responding to and investigating major fires, explosions and crimes involving such incidents.

 Sanders joined Rutherford County in 2016 and has been in public safety for over 20 years.  He has been actively involved in fire, arson and explosion investigations since 2005 and previously served the City of Franklin and Williamson, and Knox counties in Tennessee. 

Sanders will continue serving Rutherford County regularly but will respond to investigations throughout the area. 

As a law enforcement officer serving as task force member, Sanders receives a special deputation through the U.S. Marshal’s Service, so he can cross jurisdictional lines in the investigation of arson and explosion crimes and bring federal cases for crimes occurring in Rutherford County.

“I am honored to be able to have this opportunity to serve Rutherford County, the state of Tennessee, and this country in an enhanced capacity,” Sanders said. “This will bring excellent resources to Rutherford County in its ongoing effort to fight the crime of arson and allow us to contribute assets to the region as a whole.”

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The Burn Ban has been lifted for Rutherford County

Rutherford County- TN (November 21, 2023)  The city/county burn ban has been lifted, except for commercial burning within the City of Murfreesboro.  City Commercial burn permits will be reevaluated on Monday, Nov. 27.

The burn ban has been lifted for Rutherford County. Commercial burning in the county requires a permit at all times.  County Commercial burn permits can be applied for immediately now that the ban is lifted. 

 

Lifted Graphic

 

 

Arrest Made in Vehicle Fire Off Old Nashville Highway

Rutherford County - TN (November 17, 2023) Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office Investigators have charged a juvenile with multiple charges in reference to two separate vehicle fires that occurred on Longview Drive in Rutherford County.  

The first fire was reported on October 23, and the second was reported on November 2.  The two week investigation concluded with a juvenile subject being charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of vandalism and two counts of setting fire to personal property. 

The Fire Marshal’s Office is thankful for the partnership and assistance from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and ATF-Nashville Arson Task Force. 

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Burn Ban

City/County issue a burn ban due to on-going drought conditions

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. - (October 25, 2023) The fire marshals for Rutherford County Fire & Rescue Department (RCFR) and Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department have issued a city/county burn ban due to on-going drought conditions. The ban goes into effect Wednesday, Oct. 25 until further notice.

The ban prohibits all open burning, including recreational fires (fire pits, etc.).

“Due to drought conditions, fires that get outside of their containers can extend to nearby vegetation rather quickly,” said MFRD Fire Marshal Brian Lowe.

The two departments have determined the ban would be placed within both jurisdictions until there is a substantial improvement in the weather.

“Burning in the presence of an issued burn ban can lead to property damage, injury, or even death due to dry conditions,” said RCFD Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders.

Anyone caught burning during a mandatory burn ban could face a Class A misdemeanor.

The types of fires prohibited during the outdoor open burning ban include:
·Brush and leaves
·Fields/grassland
·Campfires/cooking fires
·Burn barrels
·Household waste
·All other open burning

For questions or concerns, city residents can contact the MFRD Fire Marshal’s Office at 615-893-1422, and county residents can contact Rutherford County Fire & Rescue Department at 615-907-3600.

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                            (L-R) Fire Chief Larry Farley, Firefighter Dillian Parton, Jamie Parton, Commander Adam Rose

Rutherford County Firefighter Receives 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award   

Rutherford County - TN (October 19, 2023) Rutherford County Firefighter Dillian Parton was awarded the 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award through the Noon Exchange Club Wednesday.

Rutherford County Fire Chief Larry Farley described the incident that warranted the award. 

In April 2023, Rutherford County Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a house fire on Meadowview Drive in Rutherford County. 

Firefighters Dillian Parton and Allen Williams saw heavy smoke coming from the home, forced the front door open and advanced a hose line.   Parton and Williams heard a victim moan.  Williams advanced the hose toward the fire, while Parton searched for the victim found in the kitchen area. 

Parton and two other firefighters dragged the victim to the front door and placed the victim in the front yard where Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service personnel began treatment. 

Paramedics loaded the victim onto a Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Life Flight helicopter for transport to the hospital.  The victim was released one week later and made a full recovery. 

“I’m so proud of this firefighter force,” Farley said.

 “Rutherford County is in good hands because these guys are humble, ready to act and take no regard of their own safety to rescue victims.”

During the award presentation Parton said, “All honor and glory to God for this award and I would like to thank my wife Jamie and my children.  This is the best job in the world, but I would be remiss if I didn’t honor all of the firefighters because it takes a team to do what we do.  I was able to do my job because of the help of my brothers.”

Parton has been a firefighter for six years and will celebrate his one year anniversary with Rutherford County in December. 

More information on The Noon Exchange Club of Murfreesboro, can be found at https://nationalexchangeclub.org/

or call 615-641-0121.

 

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Picture of Firefighter Cummings

Cummings Graduates from Rutherford County Fire and Rescue Training

Rutherford County – TN (09/18/2023) Rutherford County Fire and Rescue Firefighter(RCFR) Brian Cummings graduated from Recruit Training on September 18, 2023.

Cummings began with RCFR Recruit Class 23-01 in January 2023, where he sustained an injury during week five of training and was unable to graduate with the class on April 21, 2023.

 Captain Dustin Sinclair said, “After suffering an injury during training, Brian would unfortunately miss too many important skill sessions and would not be able to graduate with Class 23-01.  When our cadre met with Brian and informed him that he would not be graduating with his class, we gave him two options. First, he could discontinue his time in the academy, or he could stay and make up all classes missed while on shift, however, the understanding was he would have over 7 weeks of make-up work and skills to perform. Brian chose to stay after much consideration. Although he didn’t graduate, Brian demonstrated an effort during the final weeks of the academy that could be compared to a warrior fighting to stay alive. I knew this man had heart, and that’s something we cannot teach. That is an attribute we can only feed. Brian has been a part of A-Shift since the end of his fire academy, and in the last 4 months, he has gone through every skill multiple times and wears the mantra of “Don’t do it until you get it right, do it until you can’t get it wrong” proudly.  This department is extremely blessed to have him as part of our family. I’m honored to finally stand next to Brian and say: Congratulations and well done, brother!”

 Commander John Ingle, A-Shift said, “Since the completion of the 2023 Recruit Academy, FF Brian Cummings has been assigned to A-Shift. During this time, he has worked with every station and the constant feedback is the same, Brian is a go-getter, eager to learn, a hard worker, and many other positive comments. Brian has worked tirelessly to make sure he caught up on the skills he missed while he was injured. While on shift, Brian has worked hard to learn his job and be a key part of the team. Crews enjoy working with him and being assigned to a crew with him. Brian has a no-quit attitude and is always looking to improve. Brian will have a long and successful career in the fire service.”

 Chief Larry Farley said, “ We are happy to celebrate Cummings and are proud of his hard work and dedication as he overcame his injury to achieve his childhood dream.”

The RCFR Training program includes 627 hours of classroom instruction, field exercises, and units on physical training, forceful entry, hazmat extrication, and live burns. 

 

Victim Identified in Arnold Road Fire

Rutherford County- TN (08/21/2023) The victim of the Friday night fire has been identified as Kyle McAfee, 67 who lived at 8888 Arnold Road, Christiana. 

Friday, August 18, 2023 around 8:00 pm crews from Rutherford County Fire Rescue, Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the residential structure fire in the 8000 block of Arnold Road.  One victim perished in the fire.   

The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation as to the cause of the fire

 

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Fire

 

Fatal Fire on Arnold Road

Rutherford County- TN (08/19/2023) One person died in a house fire Friday night at the 8000 block of Arnold Road, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department reported. 

The victim’s name is being withheld pending positive identification. 

Two firefighters sustained non-life threatening injuries and were treated at the scene.

The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the fatal house fire with assistance from investigators from the City of Murfreesboro Fire Marshal’s Office. 

RCFR, Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department responded to the residential structure fire.   

Emergency crews arrived on the scene to find a manufactured home with heavy fire and smoke visible.  Crews worked quickly to search the home and extinguish the fire.  

During search and extinguishment efforts, one victim was located within the home and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Additional scene support was provided by StormPoint Emergency Response and Coffee County Volunteer Fire Department.    

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

 

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Eight People Displaced in Aurora Drive Fire   

Rutherford County - TN (02/14/2023)  Eight people were displaced as a result of a fire this morning on Aurora Drive near Murfreesboro, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department reported.  No injuries were sustained. 

RCFR, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residential structure fire just after 3:00 am.  Units found heavy fire coming from the front and rear of the house.  Crews quickly extinguished the fire and determined the occupants of the house were out.      

Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.    

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Victim Identified in Snell Road Fire   

Rutherford County - TN (02/13/2023)   The victim of the Thursday fire has been identified as Obie Shipp, 68 who lived at 3701 Snell Road, Murfreesboro.

Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at 9:38 p.m. crews from Rutherford County Fire Rescue, Rutherford County Emergency Services, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the 3700-block of Snell Road for a residential structure fire.  One victim and three pets perished in the fire. 

The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation as to the cause of the fire.  

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Fatal Fire on Snell Road  

Rutherford County - TN (02/10/2023)   One person and three pets died in a house fire Thursday night at the 3700-block of Snell Road, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department reported.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending next of kin notification.  

One firefighter sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries and was later discharged. 

RCFR is investigating the cause of the fire.    

RCFR, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and Christiana Volunteer Fire Department responded to the residential structure fire.

A RCFR Engine Company arrived within three minutes and received reports of someone still in the home with heavy smoke and fire visible. They worked quickly to search the residence and extinguish the fire.

During search and extinguishment efforts, one victim was located within the home and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three pets were also found in the house deceased. Crews from Middle Tennessee Electric disabled power to the residence.   

The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the fatal house fire with assistance from investigators from the Murfreesboro and LaVergne Fire Marshal’s Offices, Rutherford County Medical Examiner’s Office, and RCSO.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  

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RCFR Will Implement Fire Permitting Beginning January 1, 2022

Rutherford County, TN—(December 30, 2021) Rutherford County Fire Rescue (RCFR) will begin issuing fire permits on January 1, 2022.

The permits will allow applicants to maintain, store, or handle materials, conduct processes that produce conditions hazardous to life or property, install equipment utilized in connection with such activities, or install or modify any fire protection systems or equipment or any other construction, equipment installation or modification in accordance with the provisions of Rutherford County’s fire code (2018 International Fire Code).

“The implementation of fire permitting greatly assists the Fire Marshal’s Office in its mission to increase and enhance the life safety of businesses, patrons, and visitors of Rutherford County businesses by ensuring that the necessary plans are submitted for review and the needed fire code inspections are performed,” explained Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders. “It also allows the Fire Marshal’s Office to obtain specific data on the types fire protection equipment, fire alarm systems, and hazardous operations that are being conducted throughout the County thereby ensuring the safest environment possible.”

Sanders notes that the permits issued by RCFR apply to the unincorporated areas of Rutherford County only. “Cities and Towns may have their own permitting practices, so it is important to check with them for their requirements,” he added.

Required fire permits in Rutherford County by category :

CONSTRUCTION PERMITS

  • Fire Sprinkler Systems
  • Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems (Hood suppression, clean agent, etc.)
  • Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems
  • Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
  • Fire Pumps and Related Equipment
  • Flammable & Combustible Liquid- Tank Installation/Modification/Removal
  • Gates and Barricades across Fire Apparatus Access Roads

OPERATIONAL PERMITS

  • Commercial Open Burning
  • Explosives- Use/Storage/Manufacture
  • Fire Watch Activities
  • Storage of Flammable & Combustible Liquids (includes above-ground tanks)
  • Hazardous Materials Storage
  • High Piled Storage
  • Liquid- or Gas-fueled Vehicles or Equipment in Assemble Buildings
  • Use/Storage/Dispensing of LP-Gas
  • Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles (Food Trucks)
  • Mobile Fuel-Dispensing Facilities
  • Outdoor Assembly Events (over 1000 attendees)
  • Private Fire Hydrants
  • Temporary Membrane Structures and Tents
  • Vehicle Repair Garages

Adoption of this permitting system was approved by the County’s Public Safety Committee in October 2021, was presented to the Steering and Budget Committees in November, and was ultimately approved by the full County Commission at the November 2021 meeting.

Permits will be available online through the County’s Cityworks portal in the very near future.  A schedule of fees for the various types of permits will also be available on the portal.

For more information, please contact RCFR Fire Marshal’s Office at 615-907-3600 Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.