Friends of Morristown Tennessee City Fire Department

03/05/2026

12/08/2025

MORRISTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDED GRANT FROM FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION® FOR CRITICAL LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT

As first responders continue to serve the City of Morristown, it’s important the Morristown Fire Department remains properly equipped to handle all emergencies. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® recognized the need for new lifesaving equipment and recently awarded a grant in the amount of $11,680 to purchase equipment for the MFD’s Swiftwater Rescue Team.

The new Swiftwater equipment, which includes items such as lifejackets and harnesses, will allow the MFD crews to train and be prepared to rescue individuals in moving water emergencies and ultimately improve the lifesaving capabilities of first responders when called into action.

“We are sincerely grateful to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for their commitment to supporting first responders. This grant represents more than just equipment, it’s an investment in our community’s safety and our firefighters’ ability to do their jobs with the best equipment available,” said Morristown Fire Chief Brian Shephard.

For the past 20 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded 7,013 grants valued at over $102 million to public safety organizations since 2005. This grant is one of 94 the Foundation awarded during the most recent grant cycle. The 94 grants will provide critical lifesaving equipment valued at more than $2.4 million across the U.S.

To donate and learn more, visit any Firehouse Subs restaurant or the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation website at FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

10/06/2025

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT - DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF KEITH ROUSE

Last month, Morristown Fire Department’s Training Officer Keith Rouse was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. In this new role, he will oversee Incident Command and Field Operations, oversee Emergency Preparedness and Response, develop plans for major hazards in the community, assist with Training and Readiness within the MFD, coordinate with other agencies, and ensure the department meets all Safety and Standards.
Keith Rouse comes to the position with 22 years of experience with the department. His breadth of knowledge and training includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, certifications in leadership and instruction, and is an Incident Safety Officer. Within the department, he serves as a CPR instructor, a Rescue Task Force Trainer, and a Child Restraint Technician. Over the past few years he has been head of the Training Division, ensuring the staff of the MFD are well-equipped to protect the community.
Rouse is an active member of the community. A graduate of Morristown East, he now serves as a coach for the Morristown West High Summer Travel baseball team. He has been happily married to his wife, Casey, for 20 years and they share two sons, Connor (17) and Collin (14). He and his family are active in their local church and enjoy hunting and watching sports together.

09/11/2025

The original Morristown Fire Station

09/04/2025

BRIAN SHEPARD APPOINTED AS MORRISTOWN FIRE CHIEF

At last night's City Council meeting, the Morristown City Council unanimously voted to appoint Brian Shepard as Morristown's new Fire Chief.
Shepard has been with the MFD since 1998. Through hard work and dedication, he worked his way through the ranks. Most recently, he served as Fire Marshal (2017-2020) and was appointed Deputy Fire Chief in 2020. Shepard succeeds Chief Clark Taylor who retired earlier this summer.
The City is proud to have Brian Shepard take over to lead one of the finest Fire Departments in the state. We are also thankful for the service of Fire Marshal Billy Hale who served as interim Fire Chief until this appointment.

02/12/2025

MFD TO CONDUCT DRILL TOMORROW
On February 13, 2024, the Morristown Fire Dept. will be conducting a drill/training at the old Roy Wilder Trucking Warehouse on 701 N Liberty Hill Rd.. The drill is expected to begin at 8am and will last most of the day. There will be emergency vehicles coming and going from the property through the drill.
This is just a drill/training for the Fire Dept. Units that will be participating in the drill will be Morristown Fire Dept., Morristown Police, Morristown Rescue Squad, Morristown-Hamblen EMA and TEMA. For any questions, please call Logistics Officer Danny Case (423)621-8002.