City firefighter receives multiple honors

These honors recognize public servants who go above and beyond in their profession achieving excellence through leadership and a dedication to those they serve.

department, he has promoted new assessment standards for firefighter physical conditioning and operational readiness.

On Saturday, June 17, Johnson City Fire Department Driver Engineer Marshall Hardy received the American Legion Firefighter of the Year Award in Murfreesboro, Tenn. This acknowledgment follows the Veterans of Foreign Wars presenting Hardy with the State of Tennessee VFW Firefighter of the Year commendation.

District Chief William Sanders nominated Marshall for the VFW award citing his commitment to firefighting and the community he serves.

“Marshall genuinely cares about the job he does and the people around him. He is always striving to be better for himself and those he serves with,” said Sanders.

Marshall is a six-year veteran of the Johnson City Fire Department. Since joining the

Marshall is a certified aerial operator, pumper operator, fire instructor, and advanced emergency medical technician. Hardy serves outside of the Johnson City Fire Department by volunteering with the West Carter County Volunteer Fire Department.

“It is an honor to be able to work alongside a true servant to the community like Driver Engineer Marshall Hardy,” said Fire Chief David Bell. “Marshall truly demonstrates what it is to be a servant to the community by leading by example.”

Fireworks light up the City

The day’s events begin at 4 p.m. with games for children, a face painter, food and vendors. New this year is a beer garden for festival attendees who are 21 or older.

The 36th Annual Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks Celebration presented by Food City will be held on Monday, July 3 at Freedom Hall Civic Center, 1320 Pactolas Road.

Bands begin at approximately 6 p.m. and continue to 9:15 p.m. Performing for the crowd are George Birge, Matt Stell and Thompson Square.

At 9:20 p.m., door prizes will be announced followed by

The fireworks display begins around 9:45 p.m. with approximately 20 minutes of excitement as the night sky illuminates in a spectacular show of color. The event will conclude around 10:15 p.m.

Arrive early to secure your seat for the show. The fireworks may be delayed for inclement weather.

June 2023

Fire rookie school produces new graduates

Firefighter Graduates

Marina Arbuckle

Dominique Cross, Squad Performance Award (top squad performance)

Anthony Eddins, Academic Award (highest GPA)

Travis Gray

Alec Johnson

Jorge Munoz Ruiz Dana, 110% Award (class voted most dedicated student)

Derek Onks

Congratulations to the 10 newest graduates of fire rookie school! Between them, they earned accolades including the Academic Award for highest GPA, the 110% award for the most dedicated student, and the Squad Performance Award. We are extremely proud of these future firefighters and are excited to see all the amazing ways they will Go. All. Out. for Johnson City.

Teamwork

Hunter Posner

Austin Shuler

Hunter White, Squad

Performance Award (top squad performance)

“To me, this Henry Ford quote best describes teamwork. ‘If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.’”

Jason Duncan, Water Sewer