With the new month, the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department has a new public information officer. Administrative Support Specialist Ashley McDonald will assume the responsibilities on July first, according to Chief Cumby Gaines.

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.

She has designed many of the department’s brochures, pamphlets, flyers, and is the lead contact for scheduling PR events and station tours.

Allen Swader focuses on Assistant Chief of Training

The change will allow Allen Swader to focus more attention on duties as Assistant Chief of Training. Swader praised Fire Chief Gaines’ 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 Swader for the time he has dedicated to establishing a public information office at Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue.