LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WGNS) - Local fire leaders are sharpening their skills to keep Rutherford County safe. La Vergne Fire Rescue Station 41 served as the hub for a full day of leadership training last week. The Middle Tennessee Association of Fire Chiefs organized the event, drawing about 60 participants from departments like Smyrna, Brentwood, and Murfreesboro.

The workshop gives emerging leaders a clear path to move beyond daily operations and into command roles. La Vergne Fire Chief Ronny Beasley says the program invests in the future of the fire service. He notes that the relationships built during these sessions are just as important as the lessons learned.

Speakers included experts from the NFPA, Vanderbilt LifeFlight, and the City of Murfreesboro. They tackled real-world challenges like leading through catastrophes and understanding different communication styles. Chief Beasley says this rapport between departments leads to faster and more effective responses when agencies work together on a scene. This rotating regional program started in La Vergne two years ago and continues to grow.