Fairfield Glade Fire Department
2023 Awards Banquet
Please Welcome our New Fire Chief
The board of directors of the Fairfield Glade Fire department is happy to announce the election of our new fire chief Kirk McLaughlin. Kirk was born and raised in Los Angeles and spent 6 years in the US Air Force as a Military Cargo Specialist and a member of the USAF Security Police. After his service, Kirk returned home and attended college. Kirk relocated to Texas and after working 10 years as a dispatch supervisor for a manufacturing facility he joined the Arlington, Texas fire department where he spent the next 27 years as a Firefighter, Arson Investigator and Incident Command Technician. In November of 2020 he and his wife, Stephanie, retired to Fairfield Glade, where Kirk currently has a software consulting business and serves as Fire Chief of the Fairfield Glade Fire Dept. Kirk is also a board member with the Veterans and First Responders Memorial. He also serves with Team Rubicon, a humanitarian disaster relief responder, serving veterans in Texas as a Planning and Operations Deputy. His work with Team Rubicon continues in Tennessee as the Wellness leader for Kentucky and Tennessee as well as responding to natural disasters and serving as a logistics commander.
Thank You Fairfield Glade Residents
Once again, we asked, and our friends and neighbors answered the call. The July 1st pancake breakfast fundraiser was a success. We loved serving pancakes and sausage to the nearly 1200 attendees. We appreciate everyone’s continued support of these events. The $16000.00 we raised will move us toward our continued goal of new fire truck to replace our aging apparatus. Without your continued support of our mission to protect the lives and property of our community, we would cease to exist.
Thank You.
Pickleball/Tennis Event a Success!
If smiles are the best judge of an events success, then our Pickleball/Tennis fundraiser was an "off the charts" success. A good time was had by all. Sunshine, popcorn, food truck and good friends enjoying each others company while getting some exercise... What could be better? We invite you to take a few moments and share the memories of the day. We would be remiss if we did not thank our generous sponsor, Good Times. The support of our local businesses is the grease that keeps the wheels of our FGFD turning.
Return the favor by being a loyal patron of our sponsor.
5K Fun Run/Walk a Success
A special thank you to all who came out to support your Fairfield Glade Fire Department. Please enjoy this video from the event.
What We Do Who We Are
We invite you to spend a few moments with us. We're sure, after watching us, you'll like what you see. Thank you for your support.
Congratulations to Your Fairfield Glade Fire Department
Once again, your Fairfield Glade Fire Department has gone above and beyond in the eyes of the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Our smoke detector program has been ranked 28 of 560 statewide fire departments in the number of smoke alarms installed. In the 10 years since the “Get Alarmed TN!” program was instituted, your Fairfield Glade Fire Department has installed more than 2200 smoke detectors in our community. The program began 10 years ago with the leadership of retired firefighters Pat Donahue and Howard Robb and continues today under the guidance of Ray Kratt. This past September 8th, we were recognized at a state celebration for our continued support of the program. Ray Kratt has done an amazing job keeping it going. But as Ray will be the first to tell you, it’s not a one-man job. Among the many who help him, Ray would like to specifically recognize Josephine and Gary Cassidy for their assistance in getting detectors installed and batteries changed.
The Fairfield Glade Fire Department provides smoke detectors free of charge, although donations for the service are greatly appreciated. Additionally, department personnel will be happy to replace resident supplied batteries. For those with hardwired detectors, when you supply a replacement device, we will replace those for you as well. Remember, batteries should be replaced annually, and those “hardwired” detectors need to be replaced after 10 years.
You are encouraged to come to the website often to stay abreast of current happenings within your Fairfield Glade Fire Department. You can click HERE to DONATE and show your support.
Once again things at the FGFD are “COOKING”
The Labor Day Weekend pancake breakfast fundraiser, hosted by the Fairfield Glade Fire Department, saw 1027 guests served the signature pancake and sausage breakfast. Proceeds from the event go to support the operating expenses and the capital needs of the organization. Chief Tim Malone thanks the entire Fairfield Glade Community for their continued support of this event and their unwavering support of the Fire Department and its efforts to provide first responder protection for its residents and businesses.
To stay informed of department activities and news or to donate visit this website often.
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July 4th FGFD Pancake Breakfast a Success!
The Fairfield Glade Fire Department is grateful for another successful pancake breakfast fundraiser. To all the Glade residents and Wyndham guests who attend and to our many volunteers, we say thank you. Without your support this fundraiser would not be possible. On the Fourth of July we served our signature pancake and sausage breakfast to over 1000 guests. Your support of this event, and others like it, allow the FGFD to continue to protect our Glade residents and businesses and their property. We appreciate all you do. A special thank you goes out to the many volunteers who volunteer their time to make this event work.
We hope to see you at our next breakfast September 3rd at “the Center.”
FGFD July 9th Training...
Drafting
Your FGFD was hard at work this morning perfecting the art of "Drafting." Drafting is a practice of drawing water from lakes and streams when there is no other water source to fight a fire. It's an exiting thing to witness, but more importantly, it demonstrates the many varied and complex skills it takes to be a firefighter protecting our community.
Fairfield Glade Fire Department’s Inaugural 5K a HUGE HIT
Saturday June 18th marked the inaugural 5k walk/run to benefit the Fairfield Glade Fire Department. The purpose of the event was to raise capital for the planned purchase of a new fire engine to replace aging equipment.
The day began with the presentation of colors by the Cumberland County Young Marines and a prayer from FGFD Chaplain Bruce Pylant.
The event was conceptualized and spearheaded by FGFD supporter, Kathy Haynes. Her tireless efforts in planning and securing sponsors along with the over 60 volunteers on event day helped make this a very successful event.
Additionally, we want to thank Fire Chief Tim Malone and his staff for providing safety on the course and in the staging area.
Special thanks go to Captain Mark Rosser and our Fairfield Glade Police Department. They provided support for traffic control along with the many cones needed to secure a safe path for our participants.
There were 290 participants in the event. While this was not a “timed” event, we would be remiss if we did not mention the name of the person who was first to finish. That accolade goes to Fidel Balderas of Crossville who ran the 5k in under 18 minutes. Congrats Fidel.
The event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Nine local businesses and individuals stepped up to provide their financial support. We ask all residents of Fairfield Glade to visit these sponsors and extend your thanks. If you can reciprocate for their generosity by engaging their services, that is the best way to say “Thank You”
Kathy is already looking ahead to next year. We hope that next year’s event will be a timed one and top finishers will be recognized.
Once again, the heartfelt thanks of the FGFD goes out to Kathy and all the volunteers that made this event a success!
Take 5 minutes to view the video of the event, below.
See you all next year.
Come Join Us and Support your FGFD
FGFD 5K Fun Run/Walk June 18 Route, Parking, T-shirt Information
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Please arrive early as the FGFD 5K will start promptly at 8:00 am. Preregistration t-shirt pick up and openregistration will close at 7:45 am in order to have everyone lined up and ready to start. The Young Marines will start the day at 6:30 am with the posting of colors, followed by a short prayer from Bruce Plyant, then the Pledge of Allegiance.
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The Route
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The 5K will start promptly at 8:00 am leaving from the Square Park at the Stonehenge entrance going north on Stonehenge to right onto Village Dr to right onto Catoosa Blvd to right onto Peavine Rd to right onto Fairfield Blvd, turning right onto the drive to Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, circle the parking lot then returning to Fairfield Blvd, going right onto Fairfield Blvd to taking a left onto Village Dr to left on Stonehenge, going back to the Square where we started.
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Satellite Parking Lots:
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FGCC The Center Parking Lot on Stonehenge Dr
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Cumberland Medical Center Parking Lot (upper lot only) on Stonehenge Dr
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Old Wyndam Check-In Parking Lot off Fairfield Blvd....behind Eye Center, used for the Grove Parking
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St. Francis Catholic Church on Peavine Rd at Fairfield Blvd entrance.
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Cumberland Eye Care Center on Peavine Rd
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HANDICAP PARKING ONLY is located at the Square ...Stonehenge entrance .space is very limited.
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No 5K run parking at the Racquet Center, Wyndam Check-In Parking, Village Green Mall or condos adjacent to the Square
There will be brief shuttle service from 6:30am to 7:45 am from the Community Center and WellnesslCenter only to the Square Park.
T-Shirts will be available for pick up Thursday June 16 and Friday June 17 at the Square Park from 9-11 am and 4-6 pm weather permitting
There will be open registration for the FGFD 5K on Friday June 17 at the Square Park 3-5 pm only that day, then on Saturday up to 7:45 am
It's "All Hands on Deck" for the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast
Everyone pitched in to package silverware and clean equipment for the upcoming Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast. Good work everyone!
Cudos to Ray Kratt and his dedicated team.
According to the State of Tennessee, Fairfield Glade Fire Department has ranked in the top 30 of fire departments in the state who distribute and install smoke detectors. The top 20 on this list include large municipalities like Memphis and Nashville. We ranked 28 out of 560 fire departments. Our thanks to Ray and his team, Josephine and Gary Cassidy for their hard work and dedication to help make Fairfield Glade safer. Ray and his team install smoke detectors for residents at no charge, however they are happy to accept donations to the department for these services. They also install owner supplied batteries to existing alarms. If you have "wired" alarms, they can replace out of date ones with owner supplied replacements. Remember to replace detector batteries every year and in the case of wired systems, replace detectors every 10 years. It's also recommended that you vacuum detectors occasionally to remove dust, that over time will reduce their effectiveness.
You can direct your smoke detector questions and requests for service by calling the FGFD at 934-484-3801
When the LifeForce helicopter comes to FFG, they depend on the Fairfield Glade Fire Department to keep everyone on the ground
SAFE!
The week of March 14th, 2022 was a busy week for the LifeForce Medivac service. In flight patient care along with speedy and safe transport to hospitals near and far is the responsibility of the flight crew on these lifesaving machines. Keeping the public and first responders safe is the job of the FGFD. The Fairfield Glade Fire Department is tasked with the responsibility to assist ambulance and helicopter medical staff with the safety of the patient and the public while on the ground. The FGFD maintains a safe perimeter of the landing site and assists medical personnel with with patient readiness for transport.
We encourage you to watch this short video of one of this weeks rescue operations.
Fairfield Fire Department Receives VEC grant.
The Fairfield Glade Fire Department is happy and grateful to announce that we are once again the recipients of a grant from VEC’s “Customers Share Program.” Nancy Sprenger, who volunteers her time to the department as a Grant Writer, was instrumental in developing and submitting this successful grant application. The funding for the VEC grant program is provided through the generosity of VEC members who have agreed to round up their monthly bill to the nearest dollar in support of the program. More than $6 million dollars has been awarded to grant recipients throughout middle Tennessee since the program began in 2001.
The Fairfield Glade Fire Department extends our heartfelt thanks to VEC and their customers for their support of our efforts to protect and serve our community.
We encourage everyone to participate in the VEC Customers Share Program. To participate in this great program, simply call your local VEC office at 931-484-3527 to “Opt-In.”
It’s Spring and Time To Change Smoke Detector Batteries
By Tim Malone
Fire Chief FGFD
Switching to daylight savings time is a great reminder for all of us to change the batteries in our smoke detectors. Homes built more recently have “wired” smoke detectors. Power is supplied to these devices by virtue of electrical connections to the home. These devices also have back-up batteries in case of a power outage. Those back-up batteries should be changed annually as well. If you hear a chirping sound coming from your detector that is an indication that the battery is low and requires changing. Even if you change a battery in mid-year, it’s still a good idea to change them again when the clocks change as this practice acts as a convenient reminder to do so. For those of you who have “wired” smoke detectors, it is imperative to know that those detectors DO NOT LAST FOREVER. Wired detectors have a 10-year operating life and should be replaced at the end of their operating life. For all smoke detectors, whether battery operated or wired, it is good practice to get in the habit of using a vacuum cleaner to clean them regularly. Newer detectors, in addition to smoke and heat, also detect particles in the air. As these dust particles accumulate, they can cause the detector to activate. Regular testing of the detector by pressing the “test” button is also recommended. You can use a broom handle or similar pole to activate this button, eliminating the need to climb a ladder.
You should never replace a “wired” detector with a battery operated one. Wired systems are designed to activate ALL THE DETECTORS if any one detector activates. Replacing a wired detector with a battery operated one defeats this valuable safety feature.
If you have questions or need assistance regarding smoke detectors, we encourage you to call the Fairfield Glade Fire Department at 931-484-3801.
FGFD Awards Banquet A SUCCESS!
A very special thank you to Pam Winningham and to great people at First National Bank of Tennessee for their generosity in hosting this years event.
One of the primary reasons for this annual banquet is to award firefighters and volunteers for their service and dedication.
We wish to congratulate our Firefighter of the YEAR...
Abe Celik
Being an all volunteer force, our fire department relies heavily on fundraising to offset the cost of our operations. One of the prime fundraising activities are our Pancake Breakfasts. Pat Donohue worked tirelessly for the last 22 years managing every aspect of these events.
He was honored with a special award.
Pat is pictured here receiving his award from Chief Malone along with his successor Sharon Bray.
Pat took the opportunity to recognize volunteers who have helped each year for many years performing a myriad of jobs, without whose help the events would not have been as successful.
Carol Hunt, Bill and Bette Baxter, Jim and Beverly Schwind. Richard and Joan Eineke and Al and Cindy Love and Tom and Trish Rosenbergh (not pictured)
Service Awards were also presented.
Top Responder for 1920 and 1921
Mike Stoelb
We had a toast to two longtime members...
Public Information Officer, Dan Wind
Who is stepping away from the department and
Chaplain and Fire Prevention Officer, Bruce Pylant
Who will be passing his two responsibilities to others while remaining around to help out with other tasks.
20 Year Awards were presented to...
Pat Donohue, Jim Etzel, and Chris Rhind
The 15 Year Award was presented to...
Bill Andrews
10 Year Awards were presented to...
Terry McCarthy, David Kappler and Dan Wind
5 Year Awards were presented to...
Tony Gonsalves, Tom Gifford and Eric Toth
Keeping Our Gear READY TO RESPOND!
Our crews were busy on this warm December Saturday checking all our hoses to be sure they are ready when needed.
To the Fairfield Glade Community and our Timeshare Guests
We thank you for your continued support of our fire department. We are sorry that we could not serve you another pancake breakfast on Labor Day weekend.
The FGFD is all about keeping everyone safe during this time that we are dealing with Covid 19.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers during the rest of the year. We thank you for your donations.
See you next year at our next Pancake Breakfast.
Sharon Bray & Pat Donohue
FGFD Pancake Breakfast Co-Chairs
The Return of the Pancake Breakfast is a huge success!
The proverbial 'they were selling like hotcakes' described the Fairfield Glade Fire Department Pancake Breakfast fundraiser held July 3rd at the FG Conference Center. FG residents, Wyndham condo guests, and visitors comprised the more than 1,500 attendees at the first pancake event in nearly two years.
The FGFD wishes to thank everyone who attended for their generous support to our volunteer fire department. Also, a special thank you to the FGFD members, spouses, and resident volunteers who help make this possible. The FGFD will hold the next Pancake Breakfast Labor Day weekend on Sat. Sept. 4th .. Mark it on your calendar !
FGFD Pancake Co-Chairs Sharon Bray (left) and Pat Donohue (right) give the 'thumbs up' on the successful July 3rd Pancake Breakfast.
Fairfield Glade Fire Department Town Hall and Video
April 28, 2021
Each slide in the presentation is on the screen for 6 seconds. At any point, you can use the pause button to stop the video on any slide.
Thank You Cyd Riede
by
Dan Wind
FGFD PIO
Recently retired FGFD Fire Board member Cyd Riede was recognized by the department for her outstanding service for the FGFD.
Riede has willingly donated her time, talent, expertise, insight, and personal financial support while serving from October 2017
thru December 2020.
Riede's greatest contribution on the FGFD Board has been serving as the Chairperson of the FGFD Board's Fundraising/Outreach Committee developing and implementing fundraising and outreach action plans that have resulted in thousands of dollars for the FGFD.
She spearheaded quarterly campaigns to raise monies for new engine hoses, a hydrant truck, turnout gear, extrication equipment and more.
Cyd Riede and Ron, her husband, moved to Fairfield Glade from Naperville, Illinois seventeen years ago. She previously was employed as a Director of Supply Chain/Logistics for Uniroyal Plastics and later a Software Engineer for SAP.
She earned her B.S. in Accounting & Computer Science and added a M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Missouri.
In addition to her FGFD work, Riede has been active in many other organizations.
A few of them include:
Board Member - FG Neighborhood Watch Coalition
Chairperson- FG Lakes Comm. ( Lake Malvern)
Director- Friends of Cumberland County Animals
Planning Comm. -Alzheimers Tennessee
FGFD Announces "NEW BABY"
by Dan Wind FGFD PIO
FGFD is pleased to announce the arrival of our new hose.
A few stats on our new 'baby' :
Weight: 100 + pounds
Length: 16 sections of 100 feet each
Diameter: 5 inches
Date of Arrival: Aug. 15, 2020 11:14 a.m. Station 1
Our FGFD members used TLC in loading our first 'baby' in its 'crib bed' on Engine 1. Additional sections will be loaded on two additional engines soon.
Unfortunately, we do not have congratulatory cigars to pass out but you may see FGFD Captain Abe Celik celebrating with a cigar occasionally.
The FGFD members wish to thank the many Fairfield Glade residents who generously contributed to our
1st Quarter Fund Raising - Hose Campaign.
We deeply appreciate your continued support.
Click Here to go to the Gallery for more photos of our "BABY'S" delivery. ;-)
Chief Smith is Retiring
FGFD Chief Bobby Smith announces retirement
by Dan Wind FGFD PIO
Fairfield Glade Fire Department Chief Bobby Smith announced his retirement to FGFD members at their August meeting. Smith's retirement as Fire Chief will be effective Dec. 31, 2020.
Smith began serving the FGFD in 2012 and the past three years has held the position of Fire Chief.
Previous to his service with FGFD, Bobby Smith was a thirty-six year career firefighter with the Cincinnati Fire Department serving on the Bomb Squad and as a Fire Specialist.
The FGFD will select a new Fire Chief later this fall. More information will be forthcoming on that process.
Labor Day Pancake Breakfast Cancelled
We are disappointed to report that the FGFD's Labor Day Pancake Breakfast has been cancelled. It is with an abundance of caution for the health of our team and the great people of Fairfield Glade that we make this decision. As you know, the 3 Pancake Breakfasts we hold are an important part of the fundraising efforts of the department. Please stay tuned for upcoming events that will help our continuing fundraising efforts.
In the meantime, you can still support the department by donating to our PayPal account by clicking on the link below or by CLICKING HERE to assist us in our Q3 Capital campaign.
As always, we value your support and thank you for your donations.
Your Fairfield Glade Fire Department
July 4th Pancake Breakfast Cancelled
In these days of uncertainty, we all wonder what the coming months will bring to our community.
The Fairfield Glade Fire Department is committed to protecting our Fairfield Glade community and our guests.
We regretfully have to cancel our Fourth of July pancake breakfast. We know that the community looks forward to these events, but we must stay within the state and local guidelines.
Our staff and volunteers look forward to serving these breakfasts. We also enjoy meeting friends, families, as well as out of town guests.
The members of our department thank you for your caring, support and help during this time.
We will always be here to protect and serve you, our great community.
Pancake Breakfast, Coordinator,
Pat Donohue
Thank You Fairfield Glade
The next time you're in the neighborhood of Station 1 take a look at what you, the people of Fairfield Glade, have done to promote YOUR Fairfield Glade Fire Department. Through your generosity, we are better able to protect you and your property. We thank you for your continued support.
FGFD Boot Drive a Rousing Success
by Dan Wind FGFD PIO
Per FGFD Chief Bobby Smith , 'Wow! What a day ! The FG residents came thru again...we received more than $14,000 and the monies are still coming in !"
Pictured are some of the many FGFD firefighters and Fire Board Member who participated in the Fundraiser Saturday, May 23rd at the Food City parking lot.
The entire FGFD wish to thank the residents of Fairfield Glade for their tremendous generosity and continued support !
