MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Quick thinking and life-saving training helped prevent a tragedy at Sports*Com, and now a longtime City of Murfreesboro employee is being honored for her heroic response. On Dec. 4, Mayor Shane McFarland recognized Parks & Recreation Fitness and Wellness Coordinator Allison Davidson during the Murfreesboro City Council meeting as a STARS recipient for her “exceptional actions” on Oct. 6, 2025.

Davidson sprang into action when a Parks patron experienced a medical emergency at the popular recreation facility. Her rapid response and use of emergency protocols proved critical in stabilizing the situation before first responders arrived.

The City of Murfreesboro first hired Davidson in 2000 as a part-time Recreation Instructor and Fitness Assistant. In 2003, she was promoted to full-time Program Director at the St. Clair Senior Center. Since July 2004, Davidson has served as a Recreation Fitness & Wellness Program Coordinator at Sports*Com. A key part of her role includes helping ensure that Parks & Recreation employees are fully prepared to respond to emergencies through ongoing CPR training.

Davidson’s nomination to the STARS committee was submitted by Thomas Laird, who detailed her decisive actions during the emergency. In his nomination, Laird stated:

“I would like to nominate Allison Davidson, our Wellness-Fitness Coordinator for a STARS Award. In recognition of her exceptional actions during a recent emergency at Sports*Com. On Oct. 6th, a customer collapsed on the track, and Allison immediately took charge of the situation with remarkable professionalism and composure. She noticed that the individual was not breathing and promptly attached the AED pads to assess the situation. When the AED advised against delivering a shock, Allison began chest compression without hesitation. Her quick and decisive actions helped the customer regain breathing on his own before emergency personnel arrived to take over.

“Allison’s expertise, calm demeanor, and ability to act under pressure were instrumental in potentially saving the customer’s life. Her dedication to the well-being of our patrons exemplifies the highest standards of care and professionalism. The customer’s son personally visited the facility to express his gratitude for the life-saving efforts of our staff, with Allison playing a pivotal role. Allison Davidson truly deserves this recognition for her outstanding contribution and commitment to ensuring the safety and health of our community.”

The STARS Service Excellence Program recognizes outstanding City employees who embody Murfreesboro’s standards for service excellence and exemplify its core service values. The award honors those who go beyond their normal job duties to provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers.

STARS stands for “Succeeding Through Attitudes Reflecting Service Excellence” and highlights employees who represent the City in a positive light, demonstrate core values, and help improve the overall quality of life for residents. A committee made up of City employees reviews nominations each month and selects recipients through a voting process.

City leaders and staff congratulated Davidson for her professionalism, training, and dedication to public safety.

Congratulations to Allison Davidson for being named a STAR.