Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department announces promotions
Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) is pleased to announce the promotion of 11 personnel to leadership and specialty positions. The promotions recognize the members' experience, dedication, and continued commitment to serving the residents of Murfreesboro.
The following personnel have been promoted:
Training Coordinators
- Andy Smithson – Joined MFRD on Oct. 8, 2007, bringing nearly 19 years of fire service experience to his new role.
- Benson Cothran – Joined MFRD on May 27, 2008, with 18 years of service.
Health and Safety Officer
- Mitchell Whittenburg – Joined MFRD on June 30, 2003, and brings 23 years of experience to his new position.
Captains
- Kevin Defeo – Joined MFRD on June 28, 2012.
- Jeremy Morris – Joined MFRD on May 27, 2008.
- Matt Tidwell – Joined MFRD on Aug. 24, 2015.
- Adam Ross – Joined MFRD on Aug. 22, 2016.
Engineers
- Ryan St. Peter – Assigned to Engine 3A. Joined MFRD on Aug. 27, 2018.
- Clay Sweeney – Assigned to Ladder 4B. Joined MFRD on Feb. 1, 2021.
- Nicholas Lanzafame – Assigned to Engine 5B. Joined MFRD on May 24, 2021.
- Seth Wright – Assigned to Engine 5C. Joined MFRD on Aug. 16, 2021.

“These promotions reflect the dedication, professionalism, and leadership our personnel demonstrate every day,” said Chief Mark McCluskey. “Each of these individuals has earned the confidence of their peers and supervisors through hard work and a commitment to excellence. I congratulate them on this career milestone and look forward to seeing them continue to make a positive impact on our department and the community we proudly serve.”
MFRD is committed to developing highly trained leaders prepared to meet the community's growing needs. These promotions strengthen the department's ability to provide exceptional emergency response, firefighter safety, training, and public service.




