Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department Receives Certificate of Appreciation from the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy

Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department received a nice surprise Friday, July 19. Jeff Elliott, Fire Service Program Director at the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy (TFACA) in Deason, Tennessee, presented the department with a Certificate of Appreciation for "demonstrating a commitment and dedication to firefighter training and safety."

According to Elliot, once a year, TFACA recognizes fire departments, both career and volunteer, who have excelled in their commitment to training. The academy posts the "Elite Club of Fire Departments" list at the Annual Tennessee Fire Chief's conference. Elite Club categories are broken down as follows:

Silver Club-Achieving 1,000-1,999 contact hours
Gold Club-Achieving 2,000-3,999 contact hours
Platinum Club-Achieving 4,000 or more contact hours

During the Fiscal Year 2012-2013, MFRD achieved Platinum status, by accumulating a total of 4,450 student contact hours at the academy. This placed MFRD third in the ranking among other fire departments. Bradley County and Metro Nashville were the only departments ahead of MFRD.

Elliot mentioned that MFRD's contact hours came mostly in the form of Officer Development, Driver Operator, Emergency Response to Aircraft/Airfield Incidents, and Technician Rope Rescue Operations classes.

"The entire team with TFACA appreciates the hard work of Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department," said Elliot. "We consider it an honor and privilege to play a vital role in training MFRD firefighters. MFRD's investment in training displays a commitment to providing the best service for their community and a willingness to provide safety and career development for the firefighters."

"MFRD has a wonderful working relationship with the academy," said Training Coordinator Billy Vinson.  "The training programs have a significant impact on our department. We look forward to continuing our relationship with TFACA for many years to come."