Nashville Firefighters Quit After Being Caught Drinking on Broadway

Three Nashville firefighters resigned on Wednesday after police reports indicated they ordered alcoholic drinks while on duty at a Broadway bar. The men, identified in the report as Athams Davis, Griffin Hunter, and Daniel Wrenn, were placed on administrative leave following the incident.

Police responded to the Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row around midnight on Monday. A manager called officers after a bartender expressed concern that the men were drinking while working. The report states the firefighters were wearing Nashville Fire Department T-shirts and carrying bright yellow radios during their visit.

When officers approached the group, all three men confirmed they were on duty but denied consuming alcohol inside the establishment. However, the bartender who served them told police the group ordered two vodka-Red Bulls and one water just after midnight. Although the bartender did not witness them drinking, she provided a receipt signed by one of the firefighters for the mixed drinks.

A fire commander arrived at the scene and immediately placed the three employees on administrative duty. The bar manager stated that staff were working to retrieve video footage to provide further context. The firefighters remained on administrative leave until their resignations were processed on Wednesday.

The Nashville Fire Department acknowledged an incident involving three employees but classified it as a personnel matter. A department spokesperson declined to release the men's specific positions or the details of the event. The office also did not respond to requests for the employee rules and regulations regarding firefighter conduct.

In a written statement, the department said it holds all personnel to high standards of professionalism and accountability. It noted that actions compromising those standards are addressed accordingly. It is unclear whether the internal investigation into the incident remains open following the men's departures.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell called for accountability, citing the incident as part of a pattern that includes a firefighter found unresponsive at a station earlier this year. That employee died from cocaine toxicity, according to an autopsy report. O’Connell said he spoke with Fire Chief William Swann to ensure Metro employees understand that drinking or using drugs on the job is not acceptable.

The mayor said he is working with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 140 to maintain public confidence. The union said it has no comment at this time. O’Connell stated he is seeking assurance that the department is providing adequate retraining for all personnel.