HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — The Hendersonville Fire Department is growing by nearly 20 percent thanks to a federal grant that will fund the new hires for three years.
The city was approved for 19 new firefighters as part of a deal where the federal government will pay 75% of the cost for the new hires and their benefits for the first two years, dropping to 35% in the third year.
HFD chief Scotty Bush said this will allow better coverage and large firefighter teams to handle the city's emergency response needs.
"It will help with man power and the ability to perform a little more safe in actual working scenes," said Bush.
Hendersonville has seen growth that has impacted much of Middle Tennessee. Because of that, the department's need for new staff and fire stations has grown.
The first nine firefighters hope to be done training in May.
"They're very impressive. We have some of the youngest that we've ever hired in the department," said Bush.
One of the recruits is the department's first female firefighter, Grace Lawson, a Hendersonville native.
"I've always wanted to be a firefighter. As long as I can remember. I just felt called to serve in specifically this community," said Lawson.
Though, when asked about it, she said it's not about her.
"It's really an honor. It feels special. I'm looking forward to being part of the team, rather than being known as the first firefighter. Although, I do recognize that it's a huge step, and it's a huge step for Hendersonville as well," said Lawson.
Among the 19 firefighters are a set of brothers, the brother of a current Hendersonville firefighter, three firefighters from Gallatin and at least one military veteran.
