Firefighter Spotlight

Captain Darrell Chance

Why did you join the Hendersonville Fire Department?

I wanted to be in the Nashville area.  The department I was

formerly with in MS was a young, growing department.  

After visiting several communities around Nashville, I learned

that Hendersonville had those same qualities.  I hoped to

be able to make a move within 2-3 years, but God had

a more aggressive plan. Within a matter of months, I was

given an opportunity to join the department and gratefully accepted.

What do you like most about the Hendersonville Fire Department?

The opportunity to participate in the development and

operation of our department.  We are allowed opportunities

to be a part of the process.  Employees are allowed input

on decisions that may include: the hiring of personnel,

types of equipment best suited to our needs, needed training

and many other issues.  We are encouraged to seek

knowledge and training, to develop specific

talents that interest us individually and to use those

to the benefit of ourselves and the department. 

These opportunities exist throughout our department from the

most senior officer to the newest firefighter.

What is the most significant development in your career?

The job itself.  I feel that we have tried to anticipate

the needs of a growing community and to give

more than was expected of us.  As a department,

we have taken on the challenge and responsibility t

o put in place: minimum standards for our personnel,

emergency medical response, vehicle extrication,

hazardous materials response, trench rescue, confined

space rescue, water rescue, and dive operations. 

This is in addition to the duties we have always performed

such as: firefighting, public fire education, fire investigation,

fire codes approval and enforcement.

Any community activities?

Our family is involved with several basketball programs

(school, city & church).  We also have responsibilities in

several different ministry areas at First Baptist Hendersonville. 

I also support several different organizations through

my membership with the Hendersonville Firefighters Association.

  What are your future plans?

 I plan on being with the department for at least 10 more years. 

My goal is to continue learning, training and gaining

experience so that I will be prepared for future challenges

or opportunities. 

Tell us about your family

My wife (Kim) is a Kindergarten teacher at Lakeside Park

Elementary. We have been blessed with three beautiful

girls- Courtney (14); Kristen (11) and Kayce (9). 

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