Three Nashville firefighters have stepped down after a police report documented that they ordered alcoholic drinks at a downtown bar while on duty. The incident, which occurred just after midnight on Monday, has sparked a call for accountability from Mayor Freddie O’Connell and renewed scrutiny of the department’s conduct standards.
Police report details
According to the report, officers were alerted by the manager of Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row when a bartender expressed concern that the firefighters were drinking on the job. The three firefighters – identified as Athams Davis, Griffin Hunter and Daniel Wrenn – were wearing Nashville Fire Department T‑shirts and carrying bright‑yellow radios when they entered the establishment.
When police approached the group, the firefighters claimed they were on duty but denied consuming alcohol inside the bar. The bartender, however, said the firefighters ordered two vodka‑Red Bull drinks and a water. Although she did not see the drinks being consumed, she provided a receipt signed by one of the firefighters for the mixed drinks.
Department response and resignations
Police notified the fire commander, who placed the three firefighters on administrative duty immediately. The department later confirmed that the three employees were placed on administrative leave before resigning on Wednesday. Nashville Fire Department officials declined to release further details, citing personnel‑matter confidentiality.
In a statement, the department emphasized its commitment to “the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and conduct,” adding that any actions that compromise those standards are taken seriously.
Mayor’s reaction and next steps
Mayor Freddie O’Connell said he has spoken with Fire Chief William Swann and is working with department leadership to ensure that drinking or drug use on the job is not tolerated. “I think Chief Swann has demonstrated a zero‑tolerance approach within the fire department,” O’Connell said. “We are delivering internal accountability and looking at retraining updates to ensure all personnel meet our expectations.”
The mayor also noted ongoing discussions with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 140, which represents Nashville firefighters. While the union declined to comment on the specific incident, O’Connell said the union is focused on maintaining public confidence in the department.
Context of recent safety concerns
This episode follows a separate incident earlier this year in which a Nashville firefighter was found unresponsive at his station with drug paraphernalia. An autopsy later determined the death was caused by cocaine toxicity. The recent resignations add to public concern about safety and conduct within the department.
Mayor O’Connell and Fire Chief Swann have pledged to increase transparency and provide the public with signs of restored confidence in the department’s operations. The investigation into the three resignations remains open, and the department has indicated it will continue to enforce its conduct policies.
What residents can expect
City officials say they will review internal policies, consider additional training, and monitor compliance closely. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official city communications and to report any concerns about public‑safety personnel directly to the Nashville Police Department or the fire department’s oversight office.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
