Rutherford County, TN - Rutherford County Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders was sworn in as a U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Task Force Officer Friday.

This is the first time in the history of the Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department for one of its own to be selected to serve as a federal task force member. Sanders joins officers from other Rutherford County law enforcement agencies already serving as Task Force Officers and will be assigned to the ATF Arson and Explosives Task Force in Nashville.

He will assist with responding to and investigating major fires, explosions and crimes involving such incidents.

Sanders joined Rutherford County in 2016 and has been in public safety for over 20 years. He has been actively involved in fire, arson and explosion investigations since 2005 and previously served the City of Franklin and Williamson, and Knox counties in Tennessee.Sanders will continue serving Rutherford County regularly but will respond to investigations throughout the area.

As a law enforcement officer serving as task force member, Sanders receives a special deputation through the U.S. Marshal’s Service, so he can cross jurisdictional lines in the investigation of arson and explosion crimes and bring federal
cases for crimes occurring in Rutherford County.

“I am honored to be able to have this opportunity to serve Rutherford County, the state of Tennessee, and this country in an enhanced capacity,” Sanders said. “This will bring excellent resources to Rutherford County in its ongoing effort to fight the crime of arson and allow us to contribute assets to the region as a whole.”