MFRD Welcomed Eight New Fire Trainees

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department welcomed eight new Fire Trainees earlier this month.

Ahmed Aly, Ryan Gaffney, John Hughes, David LaDouceur, Ridge McMahan, Mark Peterson, Phillip Roper, and Brandon Tarver began orientation with MFRD on Monday, February 4.

Upon completing the department’s three-week orientation, the trainees will head off to the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy in Bell Buckle, TN where they will spend 10 weeks in Recruit Class.

“We are pleased with the additions we’ve made to our MFRD family,” said Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks. “These guys are already showing signs of greatness and we look forward to seeing them excel in their upcoming training!”

The new recruits will graduate from TFACA May 3.

MEET THE TRAINEES:

Ahmed Aly
Two years of fire service experience
Hobbies: Photography and travel
Looking forward to: “the training and comradery”

Ryan Gaffney, Emergency Medical Responder
One year of fire service experience
Hobbies: Working out, the outdoors, anything athletic
Looking forward to: “the brotherhood and being part of the MFRD family”

John Hughes
Hobbies: Reading and playing video games
Looking forward to: “a chance to contribute to other people”

“I still can’t believe I actually got on with the department. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

David LaDouceur
Married to Dawn with kids Blayden (3) and Isabella (4 months)
Hobbies: Working out and shooting guns
Looking forward to: “continuing to serve the citizens of Murfreesboro” (David came to MFRD from Murfreesboro Police Department)

Ridge McMahan, Emergency Medical Technician
Married to Katie with kids Grace (3) and Walker (8 months)
Hobbies: Farming, hunting, and spending time with family
Looking forward to: “pursuing my life goal of working with MFRD, growing into a better person, and learning to better serve my community”
Fun fact: Ridge’s father is a Captain at MFRD. Kurt has been with the department since September 1994.

Mark Peterson
Two years of fire service experience
Engaged to Shannon
Hobbies: Video games, bowling, running in Tough Mudder races, anything physical, fire training
Looking forward to: “learning more about the fire service and finally being able to start my fire career”

Phillip Roper, Emergency Medical Responder
Four years of fire service experience
Married to Savannah
Hobbies: Sports, fishing, and hanging out with family
Looking forward to: “working alongside the best firefighters in the nation!”

Brandon Tarver
Six years of fire service experience
Hobbies: Fishing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors
Looking forward to: “exciting new opportunities with a knowledgeable and skilled department”