Fire service personnel from all over the state are in Murfreesboro Saturday through Tuesday (July 9-12, 2016) for the 48th Annual Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association (TFCA) Conference at Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center.
Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department Chief Mark Foulks said, "This is the first time the conference will be in Murfreesboro. We are proud to be the host city for this event and excited to have several of our firefighters participate both behind the scenes and in the classroom."
Unique to this year's lineup is an indoor exhibit hall featuring several fire apparatus and other equipment relative to the fire service.
Foulks noted, "In years past, the equipment was all outside, and in July indoor exhibits are much more favorable due to the heat!"
The Exhibit Hall will be located in the Grand Ballroom and is free and open to the public on Sunday, July 10 from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm and Monday, July 11 from 8:00 am-12:00 pm. "This is also the first time vendors will be set up for two days," commented Foulks.
Opening ceremonies for the conference are Monday, July 11 at 1:00 pm. Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department's Honor Guard will present colors. Vice Mayor Doug Young, TFCA President/Ashland City Fire Chief Chuck Walker, MFRD Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks, and Vice President of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau Barbara Wolke are scheduled to speak. Immediately following opening ceremonies, the Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains will conduct a memorial service for fallen firefighters.
"This conference is a great asset to fire officers and other managers of emergency services organizations," said Foulks. "The classes and demonstrations are designed to equip attendees with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance their professionalism and capabilities in their departments."
