Deputy Fire Chief Suspended Two Days Over Alcohol

A Murfreesboro deputy fire chief drove his personal vehicle to a fire call after drinking while off duty, the city said.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a red-brick fire station facade at dusk with a limp flag on a single pole, evoking civic accountability. — Murfreesboro suspended a deputy fire chief for two days without pay after he drove his personal vehicle to a fire call following off-duty alcohol consumption. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Murfreesboro suspended a deputy fire chief for two days without pay after he drove his personal vehicle to a fire call following alcohol consumption while off duty. The city reported the incident the day after it occurred.

Why it matters

Fire Chief Mark McCluskey said the incident raised concerns about firefighter safety, leadership accountability and public trust. The case comes as several first responder alcohol-related incidents have drawn scrutiny in the region.

The city imposed a two-day unpaid suspension, and its policy prohibits alcohol consumption within four hours of reporting for duty. Whether additional sanctions or policy changes will follow has not been reported.

The players

Murfreesboro Fire Department

The municipal fire department of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, which suspended the deputy fire chief and set the department's alcohol policy.

Mark McCluskey

The fire chief of Murfreesboro who publicly stated the incident raised concerns about firefighter safety, leadership accountability and public trust.

The details

The deputy fire chief drove his personal vehicle to a fire call after consuming alcohol while off duty, violating department policy. He did not direct firefighting operations and was at the scene to support responding firefighters. He acknowledged using poor judgment and apologized.

October 22 and 23, 2026: Unpaid two-day suspension served.
The day after the incident, October 2026: City received the report.
About two weeks before publication, late October 2026: Three Nashville firefighters resigned over drinking allegations.
2020: A Nashville firefighter who drank on duty during an online EMT class later resigned.

Regional Context

The Murfreesboro suspension follows three Nashville firefighter resignations over drinking allegations and a Metro Nashville police officer's decommissioning for showing signs of intoxication at work. Together these cases show a recurring alcohol-related accountability issue among Tennessee first responders.

Residents who rely on Murfreesboro fire response may be reassured that the city imposed discipline under its four-hour pre-duty alcohol rule. The incident underscores that off-duty drinking can affect how quickly and safely officials respond to emergencies.

The takeaway

Clear pre-duty alcohol rules and consistent enforcement help protect both firefighters and the public. Residents can ask local officials how such policies are applied to emergency personnel.