Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Chief Mark Foulks was named the 2018-2019 "Fire Chief of the Year" by the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association (TFCA) on Thursday evening at the closing banquet of the 91st Annual Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs/51st Annual Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association Joint Conference held in Murfreesboro.

Foulks (center above) had a major hand in bringing the conference to Murfreesboro for the first time in its history. Approximately 300 Fire Chiefs and their family members attended this week's conference.

The award, presented by Nominating Committee Chairman Chief John Selberg of Germantown, recognized the outstanding contributions made by Chief Foulks over the past year. Foulks was selected by a committee after reviewing nominations received from across the state. During his award presentation, Chief Selberg praised Chief Foulks for his contributions to the Statewide Mutual Aid System and his work with the Tennessee Fire Chiefs All Hazards Mutual Aid Response Team.

Additionally, Foulks was noted to be instrumental in involving and engaging the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department in bringing state and national conferences and training opportunities to Middle Tennessee. "His willingness and ability to step up and lead is exemplified by his election to Second Vice President of the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association as well as his appointment as the Tennessee State Director to the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs," said Selberg.

Also recognized at the event, was MFRD's Public Information Officer Ashley McDonald. McDonald was presented with the "President's Award." This prestigious award, presented by Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs President Kingman Schuldt, is normally reserved for fire officers who have made remarkable contributions to the Association and the fire service as a whole. During his presentation, President Schuldt noted that McDonald was a driving force in ensuring a successful annual conference through her expert ability to plan, manage, and collaborate with members of all ranks throughout both Associations. "While operating primarily behind-the-scenes, Ashley worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was addressed and every need was met. Her efforts contributed to the tremendous success of this week's activities," said Schuldt.

The Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs (SEAFC) is a Division of the International Fire Chiefs Association comprising 12 states and territories in the Southeast region of the United States.