Rutherford County Firefighter Receives 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award

Rutherford County Firefighter Dillian Parton was awarded the 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award through the Noon Exchange Club Wednesday.

Rutherford County Fire Chief Larry Farley described the incident that warranted the award.

In April 2023, Rutherford County Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a house fire on Meadowview Drive in Rutherford County.

Firefighters Dillian Parton and Allen Williams saw heavy smoke coming from the home, forced the front door open and advanced a hose line. Parton and Williams heard a victim moan. Williams advanced the hose toward the fire, while Parton searched for the victim found in the kitchen area.

Parton and two other firefighters dragged the victim to the front door and placed the victim in the front yard where Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service personnel began treatment.

Paramedics loaded the victim onto a Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Life Flight helicopter for transport to the hospital. The victim was released one week later and made a full recovery.

“I’m so proud of this firefighter force,” Farley said.

“Rutherford County is in good hands because these guys are humble, ready to act and take no regard of their own safety to rescue victims.”

During the award presentation Parton said, “All honor and glory to God for this award and I would like to thank my wife Jamie and my children. This is the best job in the world, but I would be remiss if I didn’t honor all of the firefighters because it takes a team to do what we do. I was able to do my job because of the help of my brothers.”

Parton has been a firefighter for six years and will celebrate his one year anniversary with Rutherford County in December.

More information on The Noon Exchange Club of Murfreesboro, can be found at https://nationalexchangeclub.org/ or call 615-641-0121.