Fire Department · Combination
Fayette County Fire Service
Somerville, TN · Fayette County
The department's own overview describes 9 all-volunteer county fire stations, alongside 6 separate city fire departments serving Fayette County's municipalities. A current Deputy Chief of Operations job posting separately describes departmental oversight
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Watch this department to be notified when Fayette County Fire Service is hiring, or check their careers page.
Department careers page ↗Fayette County Fire Department protects unincorporated Fayette County, Tennessee, from a network of all-volunteer fire stations, working alongside six separate city fire departments that cover the county's municipalities. The department's stated mission is to facilitate community life safety through prevention, education, mitigation, and emergency/disaster response, with a vision of providing a superior level of emergency service that improves the quality of life, health, and safety of Fayette County residents.
Beyond structural fire suppression, the department provides hazardous materials response at both operations and technician levels, public fire and life-safety education, free smoke alarm installation programs, and fire investigation conducted in cooperation with the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's office. Emergency medical response is supported through Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) working alongside the county's separate EMS/ambulance service. As of July 1, 2024, the department also administers county burn permits, with state-issued permits required during the restricted burning period from October 15 through May 15.
The department is led by Fire Chief Richard Hartfield, with Greg Gruthoff overseeing support services. The department has also discussed launching a high-school-age Fire Reserve program to build a pipeline of future volunteer and career firefighters.
MissionThe Mission of the Fayette County Fire Department is to facilitate community life safety through prevention, education, mitigation and emergency / disaster response.
Fayette County Fire Department recruits both career leadership and all-volunteer firefighting staff. Open positions are posted on the Fayette County government employment site; the department has an open, ongoing call for volunteer firefighters and periodically posts paid leadership roles such as Deputy Chief of Operations.
Requirements
- Deputy Chief of Operations: Associate's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or related field (Bachelor's preferred)
- Deputy Chief of Operations: Minimum 15 years of fire service experience, including 10 years at a career department and 5 years in a leadership role
- Deputy Chief of Operations: IFSAC Firefighter II or TN Firefighter III, Fire Officer I (II-IV preferred), Fire Instructor, and EMT or higher
- Deputy Chief of Operations: ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800
- Valid driver's license
Hiring process
- Review open positions on the Fayette County employment page
- For the Deputy Chief of Operations posting, submit a resume with cover letter to Jennifer Dowdy (901-466-7130 or jdowdy@fayettetn.us)
- Volunteer firefighter applicants apply online through the Tennessee Volunteer Firefighter system
What area does Fayette County Fire Department cover?
The department provides fire suppression and emergency response to unincorporated Fayette County, Tennessee, through 9 all-volunteer county fire stations. Six separate city fire departments cover the county's incorporated municipalities.
Does Fayette County Fire Department accept volunteer firefighters?
Yes. Fayette County Fire Department is an all-volunteer county fire service and has an ongoing call for volunteer firefighters, who can apply online through the Tennessee Volunteer Firefighter system.
How do I get a burn permit in Fayette County?
As of July 1, 2024, all burning activity in Fayette County requires a permit, which can be requested online through the fire department's burn permit request page. State-issued permits are mandatory during the restricted burning period from October 15 to May 15, and unauthorized burning can be reported to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
What certifications are required for the Deputy Chief of Operations position?
The posted requirements include an Associate's degree (Bachelor's preferred), at least 15 years of fire service experience with 10 years at a career department and 5 years in leadership, IFSAC Firefighter II or TN Firefighter III, Fire Officer I (II-IV preferred), Fire Instructor, EMT or higher, and ICS 100/200/300/400/700/800 certifications.