Former Decatur, Ala. chief and Knoxville FD Veteran
Commission Responsible for Credentialing Career and Volunteer Fire Departments
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) announces that Tennessee fire service veteran Anthony Grande has recently been appointed executive director of the Tennessee Firefighting Personnel Standards & Education Commission.
Grande, who has served as the chief of the Decatur, Ala. Fire Department since 2014, was selected after a national search to fill the position upon the retirement of longtime Commission executive director Randy Fox. Before serving as chief in Decatur, Grande served in the City of Knoxville Fire Department starting in 1988 as a firefighter and finishing his career in Knoxville as assistant chief. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1984 to 1988.
“My experience with the Decatur Fire and Rescue and the City of Knoxville Fire Department has proven highly valuable, as has my other professional experiences in helping shape my management style and given me practical opportunities to lead, manage and mentor,” Grande said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be appointed to this position, and I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to serve in the Tennessee fire service again.”
The Commission administers the Firefighting Certification Program as a credentialing system for the fire service and the annual in-service training pay supplement program for participating fire departments. The Commission is responsible for the certification of volunteer and career firefighters in Tennessee as well as approving training programs to meet the requirements of T.C.A. 4-24-112 (the Minimum Training Statute). Proof of compliance with this statute must be submitted to the Commission.
“As executive director of the Tennessee Firefighting Commission, Anthony will help plan for the Commission’s future while overseeing its day-to-day operations,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Gary Farley. “His experience and proven track record of leadership will help set the standards in the years to come for Tennessee.”
Grande starts Jan. 2, 2020.
