Nashville Fire Department Loses Three Staff to Resignations After Bar Incident

Three Nashville firefighters resigned this week following a police report that found them ordering alcoholic beverages at a Broadway bar while on active duty. The incident occurred around midnight on Monday, November 2. Police were dispatched to Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row after the manager reported that staff members were concerned about the men's conduct. The report identifies the individuals as Athams Davis, Griffin Hunter, and Daniel Wrenn. Officers noted that the trio wore Nashville Fire Department T-shirts and carried bright yellow radios during their visit.

According to the police report, the firefighters stated they were on duty when approached by officers but denied consuming alcohol inside the establishment. Staff members, including the bartender who served the group, told investigators that the men ordered two vodka-Red Bulls and a water shortly after midnight. The bartender provided a receipt signed by one of the firefighters for the mixed drinks. Although she did not personally see them drink the beverages, she noted their on-duty status and equipment.

The area’s fire commander arrived at the scene upon notification from police. He immediately placed the three officers on administrative duty. They subsequently went on administrative leave before formally resigning on Wednesday. The Nashville Fire Department acknowledged the incident in a statement, describing it as a personnel matter. The department said it would not release the names or positions of the firefighters or provide details about the internal investigation's current status. A department spokesperson did not respond to requests for copies of the employee rules and regulations regarding firefighter conduct.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell is calling for accountability in the wake of the bar visit. He noted that the incident follows closely on the heels of a previous event where a firefighter was found unresponsive at his station with drug paraphernalia. An autopsy later determined that man died from cocaine toxicity. O’Connell said he spoke with Fire Chief William Swann to ensure that Metro employees understand the expectations for conduct on the job.

O’Connell stated that Swann has demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach within the fire department. The mayor added that he is looking for assurance that appropriate retraining updates are being implemented for all personnel. He is also working with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 140 to address accountability. The union said it has no comment on the specific incident at this time.

O’Connell said early indications show the union wants the fire department to retain the confidence of Nashville residents. He noted that leadership will be expected to provide public signs of ongoing confidence. The mayor described the ongoing conversations with union leaders as a process to ensure the department can execute on all fronts while maintaining professional standards.

The bar’s manager said the establishment was working to obtain video footage to provide additional context regarding the visit. The police report stands as the primary documentation of the events, detailing the interactions between the officers, the bar staff, and the three firefighters who are no longer with the department.