Three Nashville fire academy trainees step down after standard review

Three trainees with the Nashville Fire Department resigned this week, according to a statement from the agency. The department stated that the individuals did not meet the established standards and expectations for the fire academy.

Officials did not release the names of the departing trainees or provide detailed reasons for their exits. One source told WSMV-TV that a recruit left after returning from a break with a strong odor of marijuana. The department did not confirm that specific account.

These departures follow a separate event in late October when three veteran firefighters resigned. That group faced a misconduct investigation after visiting a Broadway bar during shift hours. A police report indicated that the officers denied consuming alcohol during the incident.

The Nashville Fire Department stated that it holds all personnel, from new recruits to long-serving employees, to high standards of conduct. The agency has not indicated whether the recent trainee resignations are directly linked to the earlier veteran departures.

In a separate and unrelated case, a Metro Nashville police officer was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and firearm possession. Police said the officer reported to work showing signs of intoxication. The officer has been decommissioned, and a distinct administrative investigation has begun.

The fire department said the three trainees have officially left the academy program. No further announcements regarding the recruitment class were scheduled for release on Friday.