Three firefighters quit after ordering drinks at Broadway bar while on duty

Three Nashville firefighters resigned on Wednesday after a police report stated they ordered mixed drinks at a Broadway bar while on duty. The incident occurred around midnight on Monday night at Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row. The resignations followed a brief period of administrative leave and an internal review by the department.

According to the police report, the bar manager called officers after a bartender expressed concern about potential liability issues. The bartender said she was worried the employees were consuming alcohol while working. When officers arrived, they identified the men as Athams Davis, Griffin Hunter, and Daniel Wrenn. Police noted that the three were wearing Nashville Fire Department T-shirts and carrying bright yellow radios.

The three men told officers they were on duty. All three denied drinking alcohol inside the establishment. However, the bartender who served the group told police that the men ordered two vodka-Red Bulls and a water just after midnight. Although the bartender said she did not personally see them consume the alcoholic beverages, she provided officers with a receipt signed by one of the firefighters for the mixed drinks.

Police interviewed other bar staff who worked during the shift. The manager of the establishment stated that they were in the process of obtaining video footage to provide additional context to the investigation. After the police notified the area’s fire commander, that commander arrived at the scene. He immediately placed the three firefighters on administrative duty. They were subsequently placed on administrative leave before submitting their resignations on Wednesday.

The Nashville Fire Department confirmed it was aware of an incident involving three employees. The department declined to release specific details, names, or positions, citing personnel matter protocols. A spokesperson did not respond to requests for a copy of the employee rules and regulations regarding firefighter conduct. In a written statement, the department said it holds all personnel to high standards of professionalism and accountability. It stated that actions compromising those standards are taken seriously and addressed accordingly.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell has called for accountability following the incident. This event follows a recent case where a firefighter was found unresponsive at his station with drug paraphernalia. That firefighter died from cocaine toxicity, according to an autopsy report. O’Connell said he spoke with Fire Chief William Swann to ensure the department is managing the situation properly. The mayor said the department has demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to the issue.

O’Connell said he is looking for assurance that the department is conducting the appropriate amount of retraining. He wants to ensure all personnel are prepared and that the public remains confident in the department. The mayor is also working with the firefighter union, IAFF local 140, on these matters. The union told reporters they have no comment about the incident at this time. O’Connell said he believes the union wants the department to retain the confidence of Nashvillians while maintaining its ability to execute on all fronts.