Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s Honor Guard placed second in the annual National Honor Guard Competition at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana Friday afternoon.
The team, competing against seven other teams from across the nation, participated in details such as Full Dress Inspection, Posting of the Colors, Casket Watch (posting guard at a casket), and Flag-Folding. According to MFRD Honor Guard Coordinator Jeff Irvin, the team that came in second last year, Broward County Sheriff’s Office/Fire Department from Florida, took first place in this year’s competition. “It was a tight race,” said Irvin.
Team members were Captain/Shift Inspectors Thomas McAdoo, Nora Smith, and Wade Williams, Captain Jeff Irvin, Driver Randy Shaw, and Firefighters Greg Burt, Chad Davis, and Andy Smithson.
The team will bring home a trophy to be presented to Chief Cumbey Gaines. The team also received a $1000 uniform voucher from Marlow White Uniform Company to use toward future uniform purchases.
“The team was named National Honor Guard Champions for the last two years and finishing second is no small accomplishment considering the caliber of competition,” said Chief Gaines. “ I am just as proud of the team this year as I was last year. These men and women work hard to represent MFRD and the City of Murfreesboro in a professional and elite manner.”
MFRD’s Honor Guard presents colors at several events throughout the year including conferences, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and 9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies, etc. If you would like more information about the MFRD Honor Guard, please contact Fire & Rescue Administration at 615-893-1422.