Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association

12/24/2025

Members of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association:

As we approach the Christmas season, I want to take a moment to wish each of you, your families, and your fire departments a very Merry Christmas.

This time of year gives us the opportunity to reflect on the dedication, sacrifice, and service you provide to your communities every day. Your commitment to protecting lives and property across the State of Tennessee does not go unnoticed, and I am grateful for the leadership and professionalism you bring to the fire service.

On behalf of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association, I encourage each of you to stay safe during the holidays, both on and off duty. Please take time to enjoy this season with your loved ones while continuing to look out for one another and those we serve.

Thank you for all that you do throughout the year. I hope this Christmas brings you peace, joy, and well-deserved time with family and friends.

From my family to yours, may you have a safe and very Merry Christmas.

Respectfully,
Brian Biggs
Ashland City Fire Department
President, Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association 2024-2026

12/15/2025

TFCA President, Brian Biggs and Southeastern TN Fire Chiefs, Brian Goss, presented $3,500 to the Gary Sinise Foundation.

12/15/2025

As record low temperatures continue, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office reminds Tennesseans to NEVER use your home's oven to stay warm.

Why not? Simple. Not only is an oven an inefficient way to heat a large space, but using a gas oven could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly. Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, so you won’t be able to tell if it’s seeping into your home. As far as electric ovens go, they were not designed for space heating.

Last but not least, NEVER burn outdoor barbecue materials such as charcoal briquettes inside - even in a fireplace.

12/15/2025

12/15/2025

The Tennessee Fire Chiefs were represented at a luncheon with Tennessee House Speaker last week. The discussions included topics that would effect the fire service in the upcoming legislative session.

12/11/2025

State Fire Marshal's Office, Volunteers Distribute 1,300 Smoke Alarms and CO Alarms in Overton County

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office distributed over 1,300 smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as part of a Dec. 2 canvass.
This canvass tragically comes in the wake of two November fires in Overton County that claimed the lives of three children. We offer our sincerest condolences to all of their loved ones.

We offer our sincerest thanks to the volunteers and firefighters from 15 fire departments representing four counties (Overton, Pickett, Clay, and Putnam) who began installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for homeowners on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Over 700 requests for alarms were received online for this canvass, and more requests are still coming in. Installations will continue throughout the week.

Interested hosting a smoke alarm canvass in 2026? Contact Jason Driver at jason.driver@tn.gov or by (615) 655-3097 for details.

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

Essentials of Emergency Service Chaplaincy *
Dickson, TN – Friday and Saturday 16-17 January 2026, 8 AM – 5 PM Central Time both days

*Prerequisites:

NIMS 700, 800, 100 & 200

This course provides the nationally recognized Federation of Fire Chaplains foundation for Fire/Rescue/EMS/EMA chaplain service and teaches an established and credentialed system of protocols to provide chaplain service to emergency workers and the public.

This two-day course is designed as a “Survey of Fire Chaplaincy”. It is appropriate for new chaplains, experienced chaplains, and those who just want to learn what fire chaplaincy is all about. The course includes classes in Foundations of Chaplaincy, the Personhood of the Chaplain, Ministry to Firefighters, Ministry to People in Crisis, Beginning a Fire Chaplain Program, Managing Stress, Fire Department Funerals, Fire Chaplain Operations, Mutual Aid, and the Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains deployment teams.

($375 includes 2026 Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains dues, Chaplain Institute Fee, and Federation of Fire Chaplains dues for those who submit their completed membership application and supporting documents prior to end of this training event.)

PAUL N, TRUMPORE, SR., Executive Director
Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains
908 Kimberlin Heights Road
Knoxville, TN 37920-8926
(865) 805-2890

Send a message to learn more

12/04/2025

Honoring Former La Vergne Fire Chief James Gafford.

The La Vergne Fire Rescue Department is saddened to share the passing of James Gafford, who proudly served our community and the fire service for more than six decades. Chief Gafford began his fire service career in 1951 and retired as the La Vergne Fire Chief in 2014.

Chief Gafford played a vital role in establishing organized fire protection in what was then unincorporated La Vergne. His leadership, dedication, and vision helped lay the foundation for the modern department we know today. Throughout his career, he mentored countless firefighters and helped establish several volunteer fire departments across Rutherford County, leaving a lasting impact on the fire service and the communities he served.

His life and legacy will be honored with Fire Department Funeral Honors on Friday.

Services will be held at Woodfin Funeral Home in Smyrna, TN.
• Visitation: Thursday, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
• Funeral Service: Friday, December 5th at 10:00 a.m.

Chief James Gafford’s dedication, service, and mentorship will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were influenced by his many years of service.

12/03/2025

Brrrrrr! Even though the first day of winter is still weeks away, the cold weather is already here. As temperatures fall, the risks to homeowners and their families increase as more people stay indoors in order to keep warm.

This winter, stay warm *and* safe with some easy to remember fire safety tips. Remember:

-Keep flammable items like blankets, rugs, or furniture at least three feet away from space heaters and wood stoves.

-Never place your Christmas tree near heating equipment, fireplaces, candles, or other sources of heat.

-Always keep your Christmas tree watered to prevent the tree from drying out.

-Practice a home fire escape plan with your family. Everyone should know two ways out of each room.

-Always turn portable heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed.

-Never use your oven to heat your home.

-Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected every year.

-Working smoke alarms are every homeowner’s first line of defense against home fires all year long. To help protect Tennesseans and save lives, the SFMO’s "Get Alarmed, Tennessee!" free smoke alarm program is helping reduce the risk from home fires. To make a request, visit: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/42a88dccc1394d1795ae503e55eb53c7

12/02/2025

** IMPORTANT REMINDER **

Volunteer Fire Departments have until 2:00 PM Central Time on December 4 to submit applications for the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program.

Good luck in the process.

Steven E. Cross, MA, CFO
Fire Management Consultant | Program Manager
UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service

Send a message to learn more

11/27/2025

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every fire chief and their departments across Tennessee. Your dedication, courage, and unwavering service to our communities and our great state embody the true meaning of commitment and sacrifice.

On behalf of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association, thank you for your leadership, your professionalism, and your steadfast devotion to protecting the people of Tennessee. May this Thanksgiving bring you peace, safety, and a moment to reflect on the positive impact you make in the lives of others.

Let us also remember the men and women—both here at home and abroad—who work tirelessly to protect us and defend our freedoms.

Wishing you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Respectfully,
Brian Biggs
Ashland City Fire Department
President, Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association 2024-2026