MFRD Welcomes Eight New Fire Trainees

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department welcomed eight new Fire Trainees this week.

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 camaraderie”

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”

Pictured (L to R): David LaDouceur, Brandon Tarver, Phillip Roper, Ridge McMahan, Ahmed Aly, Mark Peterson, Ryan Gaffney, and John Hughes.