Nashville Mayor Demands Accountability After Firefighters Resign Over On-Duty Drinking

Three Nashville Firefighters Resign After Ordering Drinks While on Duty

Three Nashville firefighters resigned Wednesday after they were seen ordering drinks at a Broadway bar while on duty, according to a police report. Mayor Freddie O’Connell is now calling for accountability following the incident around midnight on Monday.

Officers responded to Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row after a manager called to report that a bartender was concerned they were drinking alcohol on duty. The report identifies the firefighters as Athams Davis, Griffin Hunter, and Daniel Wrenn. Police stated the three wore Nashville Fire Department T-shirts and carried bright yellow radios during the visit.

Police Report Outlines Bar Visit and Receipt

When officers approached the group inside the venue, the firefighters stated they were on duty but denied drinking alcohol, according to the police report. Investigators then interviewed the bartender who served the group.

Staff members reported that the trio ordered two vodka-Red Bulls and a water just after midnight. While the bartender did not personally witness the firefighters consume the drinks, she provided officers with a receipt signed by one of the firefighters for the mixed beverages. Police notified the area fire commander, who arrived at the scene and immediately placed all three on administrative duty.

Nashville Fire Department Launches Investigation

The department placed the firefighters on administrative leave before they resigned on Wednesday. It remains unclear whether the internal investigation is still active following their departures.

The Nashville Fire Department confirmed it was aware of an incident involving three employees but declined to release specific details, positions, or names. A department spokesperson did not respond to requests for a copy of the Nashville Fire Department employee rules and regulations regarding firefighter conduct.

“The Nashville Fire Department holds all personnel to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and conduct,” the agency said in a statement. “Actions that compromise those standards are taken seriously and addressed accordingly.”

Mayor Calls for Department Accountability

The incident on Broadway follows an incident months prior where a firefighter was found unresponsive at a station with drug paraphernalia, with an autopsy later confirming a death from cocaine toxicity. Mayor O’Connell stated he spoke with Chief William Swann and other city leaders to reinforce that drinking or using drugs on the job is unacceptable for Metro employees.

O’Connell noted that Chief Swann has demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach within the fire department. The mayor is also working with the firefighter union, IAFF Local 140, to ensure proper accountability and retraining updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nashville Fire Department Investigation

* What specific beverages did the firefighters order at Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row?
Bar staff reported that the three firefighters ordered two vodka-Red Bulls and a water just after midnight.
* Who are the firefighters identified in the police report?
Police identified the three employees as Athams Davis, Griffin Hunter, and Daniel Wrenn.
* What action did the fire department take when officers arrived?
An area fire commander arrived at the Broadway bar and immediately placed the three firefighters on administrative duty before they were placed on administrative leave and resigned on Wednesday.