MURFREESBORO, TN - On today’s episode of the WGNS Action Line, host Scott Walker sat down with Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Chief Mark McCluskey to talk about some of the department’s most pressing and recurring challenges. Chief McCluskey discussed the frequency of drug overdose calls, which have become all too routine for firefighters. With the recent extreme heat wave, the conversation also turned to heat exhaustion—a serious concern not just for residents, but also for first responders wearing heavy fire-protection gear in sweltering sun.

The episode also touches on the Safe Haven law, after a newborn was safely surrendered at a fire station in nearby Hendersonville. Chief McCluskey reminded listeners that Murfreesboro’s own fire stations are also equipped for such emergencies, offering a safe option for infants who might otherwise be at risk.

Finally, the chief revealed plans for a new fire station in Murfreesboro, explaining why ordering fire trucks now is critical—given the two-year minimum wait time for delivery due to national supply delays. It’s a packed episode covering public safety, emergency response, and forward-looking planning in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing cities.