FREDDIE MONTGOMERY

FClarksville Fire Rescue Chief Freddie Montgomery is an incredible leader who is taking the department to new heights. He has been working tirelessly to propel the department forward, and his unique leadership style has been dynamically efficient and effective.

Starting off, Freddie tells VIP a little bit about himself, “I am a proud Army veteran! 48 years young, and married to my beautiful wife Priscilla, she keeps me grounded, for 25 years We have two sons, Calvin & Cameron, and 2 grandchildren, Ava & Caen. I’ve played rugby locally for 16 years, and I am currently playing for Clarksville Headhunters, against my wife’s advice.

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in Hopkinsville Kentucky. The son of a firefighter.

What is your most proud accomplishment?

I feel like I have so many things to be proud of and most would probably be related to my family. I have achieved a few awards, recognitions, and a long list of firsts during my career in the fire service but honestly it’s what I love to do. I would say I’m proud that my mom, grandparents, wife and children are proud of me. They know I have carried myself with integrity, I have honored them and their investment in me and I have carried the torch for my loved ones. I guess I’m just proud that I have been raised right and chosen right even when it was hard. I’m most proud that the things instilled in me can’t be compromised and I’m proving it every day.

How long have you been a firefighter?

I have been a firefighter for 27 years. I retired from Hopkinsville Fire / EMS after 25 years. I was the Fire Chief and EMS director for the last 5 years. I have been the Fire Chief of Clarksville Fire Rescue for almost 2 years now.

Coming from Hopkinsville to Clarksville, what has the biggest adjustment been?

The biggest adjustment would be terminology, rules and regulations as it relates to city and state. It’s hard to believe that growing up just a few minutes from here, some things would be so different. Budget terminology and processes where a big change. Coming from a smaller city with less resources I dealt directly with the Finance Director for even small issues. Here there are people and divisions that do different parts of every process. It’s not good or bad but I’m fortunate to have both perspectives, now I just have to quit trying to do everything and let the system work.

What inspired you to become a firefighter? My father was a firefighter and I basically grew up in the firehouse. I never dreamed of being a firefighter. I intended to be a lifer in the army

but as I approached the end of my enlistment, I wanted to get to Ft. Campbell to get closer to my mom to help her out through the death of my sister. I wasn’t able to get the assignment so I decided to get out of the Army and return to Hopkinsville to hopefully land a factory job or mail carrier position at the post office.

While contemplating on what I would do for work, my dad asked me to do him a favor. He said that he loved the fire department and the profession, but unfortunately he made some decisions that ended his career early and lead to his incarceration. He asked that I consider joining the fire department, and ensure that honor was restored to our family name. He asked me to embrace the fire service and leave it better than I found it. Now I’m working on my second career in the fire service, 2 times as a fire chief, and I will be traveling next week to Georgetown Kentucky to pin a firefighter badge on my youngest son who will be sworn in as a Georgetown career firefighter!

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Putting on the uniform every day and helping people is reward enough but I would have to say being trusted with the safety of the community is the best reward. I don’t take my position lightly and I try to pay the community back by making sound decisions and offering a level of response and readiness that is second to none.

Everyone in your department and who comes into contact with your department raves about your leadership, and vision.

What would you say your leadership style is?

When it comes to leaders I have experienced all kinds, good and bad. I remember the things that gave me angst along my journey and try not to do that to my people. I keep it simple with the Lead, Follow or get out of the way philosophy… AND I tell my people as a leader

I am prepared to practice either of the three at any given time. I think it’s important if I am going to develop leaders I need to be prepared to follow them and their ideas and sometimes just get out of the way and let them run. I still love firefighting and don’t mind suiting up and going in with them. My people know I want them to enjoy every second of this job. I don’t want to be the only one having fun. When there is work to be done I expect all hands on deck and I believe 100% in accountability. But when we get a chance to relax they know I’m the MEME KING…. I think they are getting use to my personality and my dad jokes.

What are some of your goals for the future?

CFR has changed tremendously in the last 2 years. We have restructured and even started a technical rescue division. I hope to take our training to the next level and put an emphasis on professional development and leadership. Those kinds of things ensure we have a great department into the future no matter who is in the Chiefs office. Clarksville is a growing community and we still have some catching up to do but we have the people and the mindset to get it done.