Nashville Firefighters Resign After Bar Incident

Three Nashville firefighters resigned from their positions on Wednesday following an incident where they were observed consuming alcohol at a Broadway bar while on duty. The departures followed an internal investigation launched by the Nashville Fire Department.

Police records indicate the incident occurred around midnight on Monday at Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row. A bar manager called officers after a bartender reported concerns about the group. Staff members told police that the three firefighters ordered two vodka-Red Bulls and one water just after midnight. Although the bartender stated she did not personally watch the men drink the beverages, she provided officers with a signed receipt for the mixed drinks.

The police report identifies the officers as Athams Davis, Griffin Hunter, and Daniel Wrenn. Witnesses noted that the three men were wearing Nashville Fire Department T-shirts and carrying bright yellow radios. When officers arrived, the firefighters stated they were on duty but denied drinking inside the venue. A fire commander arrived at the scene and placed the trio on administrative duty immediately.

The firefighters were placed on administrative leave before submitting their resignations on Wednesday. It remains unclear if the internal inquiry continues following their departure. The department characterized the situation as a personnel matter and declined to release specific details or the men's ranks. A spokesperson did not respond to requests for the employee conduct rules. In a written statement, the department said it holds personnel to high standards of professionalism and that actions compromising those standards are addressed seriously.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell has called for accountability regarding the event. This incident follows a case just months prior in which a firefighter died from cocaine toxicity after being found unresponsive at his station. O’Connell said he spoke with Fire Chief William Swann to ensure a zero-tolerance approach to substance use on the job. O’Connell stated he is seeking assurance that the department is updating retraining protocols for all staff.

The mayor is also coordinating with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 140. The union said it had no immediate comment on the incident. O’Connell said the union aims to ensure the department retains public confidence. He added that he expects department leadership to provide signs of that confidence to the public.

The bar manager said staff were working to secure video footage to provide further context for the incident.