Three Nashville Firefighters Resign After Midnight Bar Incident

Three members of the Nashville Fire Department have resigned following a police report detailing their time at a Broadway bar while on duty. The incident occurred around midnight on Monday, leading to immediate administrative action and a public call for accountability from city leadership.

According to the police report, a bartender at Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row called officers because she was concerned about the group. The report identifies the three firefighters as Athams Davis, Griffin Hunter, and Daniel Wrenn. Witnesses noted that all three were wearing Nashville Fire Department T-shirts and carrying bright yellow radios while inside the establishment.

Bar staff told police that the group ordered two vodka Red Bulls and a water just after midnight. The bartender stated she did not personally observe the firefighters consuming the alcoholic beverages but provided officers with a receipt for the mixed drinks signed by one of the men. When police approached the group, the firefighters told officers they were on duty, though all three denied drinking inside the bar.

Police notified the area’s fire commander, who arrived at the scene and placed the three employees on administrative duty. The bar’s manager said staff were working to obtain video footage to provide additional context. The firefighters were placed on administrative leave and formally resigned on Wednesday. It remains unclear if the internal investigation is continuing after their departures.

Nashville Fire Department Chief William Swann spoke with Mayor Freddie O’Connell regarding the incident. The department issued a statement acknowledging the event, noting that it holds personnel to high standards of professionalism. A department spokesperson described the situation as a personnel matter and did not release specific details about the rules violated. The union, IAFF Local 140, said it had no immediate comment.

Mayor O’Connell emphasized the need for retraining to ensure all personnel understand conduct expectations. He noted that the incident follows a previous case where a firefighter died from cocaine toxicity at his station. O’Connell said he is working with union leaders to ensure the department retains public confidence while maintaining strict oversight.

The mayor stated that early indications suggest the union wants to ensure the department can execute its duties effectively. He added that he is looking for leadership to provide clear signs of ongoing confidence to the public. The city is currently reviewing the administrative leave records and the police report findings.

The three firefighters left the department following the Wednesday resignation. The police report details the timeline of the bar visit and the subsequent interviews with staff. The fire department has not yet announced a replacement or a new policy update based on this specific incident.