The ranks of Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) have been bolstered with the arrival of their first full-time EMS Instructor. In an announcement made on social media, Captain John Rutledge, a seasoned emergency services professional, is set to join the team starting February 9. "His expertise and passion for education will support the continued growth and development of our EMS Division," mentioned Assistant Chief Jamie Layhew, according to a post on MFRD's Facebook page.
Rooted in Rutherford County, Captain Rutledge's academic accolades include graduating summa cum laude with an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine from Motlow State Community College back in 2022. His array of certifications traverses a variety of emergency response disciplines, evident in his role, he will not only instruct future firefighters but also enrich the department with innovative training and protocols.
With a career that took off in 2011 at the La Vergne Fire Department, Rutledge climbed the ranks to Lieutenant before moving to the Nashville Fire Department as a Paramedic and Adjunct Instructor. Besides firefighting, Rutledge has channeled his pedagogic flair into an Adjunct Instructor position at Motlow State Community College since 2019, as noted in the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department facebook post.
Community service constitutes an essential part of Rutledge's life; he spends portions of his time serving on the board of We Are Hope, an organization that feeds and provides for underprivileged families. Apart from spreading goodwill, he also dedicates time to New Vision Baptist Church, where as a member of the security team, medical emergencies are responded to during services. In his off-hours, Captain Rutledge is a family man at heart, lavishing time on his wife, their two daughters, and the family's two dogs—as revealed by MFRD.
The appointment of Rutledge is a significant step for MFRD as they aim to enhance the quality of their emergency medical services. His appointment comes at a time when the importance of advanced and specialized training in emergency response is more pronounced than ever. MFRD is confident that Rutledge's extensive experience and dedication to both education and community service will make him a valuable asset to their team.
