DeKalb County Fire Department

08/30/2026

DeKalb County Fire Department had 10 members attend the Upper Cumberland Training Weekend hosted by the Upper Cumberland Regional Council of Fire Chiefs in Cookeville, Tennessee, this weekend.

Our members completed the following courses:

Farm & Machinery Rescue
Justin Bass, Kyle Hovey, Matt Olson, Jordan Lader, and Steven Lawrence

Advanced Extrication
Alex Woodward, Steven Phalin, and Alvin Gunkel

Strategies & Tactics
Robert Patrick

Training Operations in Small Departments
Heather Lader

We appreciate our members for giving their time to continue their training and bring valuable knowledge and skills back to DCFD. We also thank the Upper Cumberland Regional Council of Fire Chiefs and all of the instructors who made this training weekend possible.

08/26/2026

08/23/2026

08/09/2026

••• July Monthly Calls, Training Hours and Smoke Alarm Installs•••

We are currently looking for committed individuals who want to make a difference. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and serve.

If you’re ready to be part of something bigger and help protect your neighbors, we invite you to join our team. Stop by the station or contact us to learn more about the application process and training schedule. Your community needs you!

08/04/2026

Exciting Opportunity: Join DeKalb County Fire Department as a Support Team Member!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve your community and support your local firefighters? The DeKalb County Fire Department is launching an exciting new Support Role, and we invite you to attend an upcoming informative meeting to learn more!
This vital role offers dedicated individuals the chance to become an integral part of our operational team.

As a Support Team Member, you will play a critical role on the scene by assisting with:
Water Supply Operations: Ensuring continuous and reliable water flow during critical incidents.
Vehicle Operations: Assisting with apparatus response, positioning, equipment readiness, and logistics.
Scene Management: Helping maintain perimeter safety, traffic awareness, and resource staging.
Rehabilitation Support: Providing essential hydration, rest monitoring, and climate relief to keep frontline firefighters safe and performing at their best.

No prior firefighting experience is required—just a commitment to team safety, reliability, and community service.
Come out to our informative meeting to meet members of the department, review the role requirements, and discover how you can make a direct impact when it matters most.

Meeting Details:
Date: 8/15/26
Time: 10:00am
Location: 782 King Ridge Rd.,
Smithville, TN 37166
Take the first step toward serving alongside DeKalb County’s finest. We look forward to seeing you there!

08/04/2026

DeKalb County Fire Department has awarded Darren Johnston as July’s Firefighter of the Month.

Darren has consistently gone above and beyond in his support role, demonstrating exceptional dedication to the DeKalb County Fire Department. He is often among the first to arrive at the Liberty Station, ensuring Engine 65 is ready for response, and works tirelessly on scene by assisting firefighters, managing SCBA cylinders, and supporting operations wherever needed.

Beyond emergency responses, Mr. Johnston has taken on monthly apparatus inspections, assisted with maintaining multiple units, and volunteers for station improvement projects. During a recent community service event, he used his own tractor and brush hog to clear overgrown vegetation at the community park before returning to help with a station-wide work party despite extreme heat.

A big “thank you” to Darren Johnston for his exemplary dedication and service to the department and community!