Chief Gaines announced Thursday morning that Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department will soon have a new Public Information Officer.

Effective July 1 Administrative Support Specialist Ashley McDonald will assume the responsibility of PIO. McDonald has been with the department since 2007. She has a Bachelors Degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from Middle Tennessee State University and also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the department’s newsletter, The Extinguisher. McDonald has designed many of the department’s brochures, pamphlets, flyers, etc. and is the lead contact for scheduling PR events and station tours. She assists the current PIO in disseminating information to local media contacts through press releases and media meetings.

Current PIO and Assistant Chief, Allen Swader, stated in a letter to Chief Gaines, “I have enjoyed the last two years…I feel it is time to pass on to someone else this dynamic and challenging role.” Swader also commented that due to the responsibilities associated with being the department’s PIO, he has not been able to devote his full attention to his primary duties as Assistant Chief of Training. “I would like to thank Chief Gaines and Deputy Chief Toombs for allowing me to assist in establishing the Public Information Officer role in our department. I would like to thank our personnel for assisting me with gathering information. I would also like to thank the media and other PIOs for all the relationships that have been developed during my time in this role.” Swader also weighed in on the Chief’s decision to appoint McDonald, “I feel that Ashley will fit nicely into this role particularly with her background in PR. I will be working closely with her in the months ahead to provide her with the knowledge that I have gathered the last couple of years. I know she will do well.”

Chief Gaines thanked Assistant Chief Swader for the time he dedicated to establishing the role and stated that he was confident that McDonald will continue to build strong relationships with the City of Murfreesboro, the public, and members of the press.

McDonald commented, “I look forward to working with our personnel, City Administration, the community, and the media in this new role as Public Information Officer. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

McDonald and husband Greg recently celebrated their seven-year