Daniel “Chunk” Nelms
“Chunk” is a second-generation fireman, currently working in the Nashville (TN) F.D., where he is currently assigned to 32 Truck on the eastside of the city. Chunk has also served as a volunteer in various departments since his childhood, from Rookie up to Training Officer. Chunk brings 20 years of fire service experience from small town volunteer fire departments to a large urban metropolitan FD, and anything in between. Chunk has instructed at conferences and fire departments across the country and has been published in a few fire service trade magazines. Chunk’s passion for the job is only surpassed by the love for God and his family. Chunk is a proud Christian, husband (Emily) and father (Jackson, Noah, and Baby Girl coming in September-ish).
Trey Nelms
William K. Nelms III (Trey) is a second-generation firefighter that has been around the fire service his entire life. He has 30+ years in career and volunteer fire departments throughout Middle Tennessee, where he has served in a wide variety of positions, from Probie to Chief of Department. Trey is employed by the Nashville (TN) F.D. where he has served since 1994. He has functioned as a Dispatcher, Firefighter, Adjunct Instructor, Fire Captain, and his current assignment, District Fire Chief. Trey is currently assigned as District 33 “B”, where supervises seven fire companies, responding from six stations on the southside of Nashville. Trey also worked as a volunteer in various departments since his childhood. He currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Operations and Training for the Pleasant View (TN) Volunteer Fire Department in the community where he lives. Trey has a master’s degree in Fire Executive Leadership/Emergency Services Management and is a certified Fire Officer IV, Instructor II, and Paramedic. He has a background in several fire service disciplines and has been featured in various training videos and articles. Trey has instructed at numerous conferences and fire departments across the country and is involved with his family’s training business, Nelms Fire Company (NFC). Trey is a proud Christian and is married (Amy), with one son (Will), who both support his love for and involvement in the fire service.
Aaron Sparkman
Aaron Sparkman began his career in the fire service in 1995 and is currently working on my 30th year with the Nashville Fire Department. Prior to the beginning of his career, Sparkman received an associate’s degree in Fire Science from a local community college. The first half of his career was spent mostly on a Squad or Rescue Unit. After 18 years of riding the back step, he was promoted to Captain where he spent 11 years on a busy Engine on the southside of the city. In April of 2024, he took one more career step and accepted a position as District Chief where he supervises 7 firehouses and 9 fire companies. Sparkman joined NFC cadre in 2019.
Andrew Johnston
Andrew Johnston started his fire service career in 2004 in his community of Dennis (KS), where he still serves. Today, Andrew works for the City of Pittsburg (KS) where he is currently a Lieutenant assigned to Q-2. The city of Pittsburg operates out of three stations serving a population of nearly 30k including a Div. 2 University. Andrew also serves in the Army Reserves, since 2006, including one overseas deployment and several years as a Drill Sergeant. Andrew is married and has four children.
His various experience has led to a strong passion for all aspects of training from crew development to the gamete of core competencies. This passion for training has also resulted in assuming the lead role for the LCC Fire School committee. A long-standing training conference in SE Kansas that has since been revitalized and bringing quality relevant training to the modern fire service from instructors across the country.
Emily Nelms
Emily Nelms has been a member of the fire service since 2011. She has achieved many certifications ranging from Fire Instructor and Fire Officer to Fire Inspector and Fire Investigator. Emily is a career Engineer with the Franklin (TN) Fire Department assigned to Ladder 3. Emily also has a master’s degree in human services counseling: Crisis Response & Trauma.
Blake Haun
Blake Haun is an 18-year veteran of the fire service, serving in both volunteer and career capacities. Blake is currently the Fire Chief for the Watertown (TN) Volunteer Fire Department. He is also a Fire Lieutenant for the City of Gallatin (TN) where he has worked since 2016. He is currently assigned to Engine 5. Through his career Blake has been assigned to both Engine and Truck Companies giving him a well round view of the fire service. Blake has an associate degree in Fire Science, as well as his Fire Instructor and Fire Officer certifications. Blake has been extremely blessed to have incredible mentors and be able to attend various training and conferences throughout the country through the years. It was through these experiences that Blake was introduced to Nelms Fire Company. The Nelms’ and the NFC cadre have become some of his greatest mentors and friends in the Fire Service. Blake is passionate about “Them First” and believes in the core values and traditions of the fire service. Blake is always in for whatever, as long as it involves the fire service. He doesn’t need an invite; he just needs to know that there are reps available and passionate people around for him to learn from. Blakes proudest moments in life have been the birth of his 3 children, and when he accepted Christ in his life.
Matt Henry
Matt Henry has been in the fire service since 2012. He has served in several different organizations as a volunteer, as well as in a career spot. He is currently a Captain with Rutherford County Fire Rescue, in Middle TN. He is also heavily involved in the Special Operations Division. Matt enjoys long walks on the beach and doing fireman stuff.
Shawn Raymond
Shawn Raymond is a first-generation firefighter and United States Army Infantryman. Shawn is both a career and volunteer member, with 9 years in the fire service. Shawn is a Fire Lieutenant with the city of Gallatin (TN) where he is currently assigned to Engine 3. Shawn holds a bachelor’s degree of Fire Administration with a concentration in homeland security. Shawn loves these United States and the North American Fire Service. Most importantly, Shawn is a student of the game and looks forward to learning with you.
John Jarvis
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Daniel “Gunny” Albright
Daniel “Gunny” Albright is a career firefighter for the Nashville Fire Department TN, serving for 11 years. He currently holds the rank of Engineer and is stationed at Engine 26, located in South Nashville. Gunny has been detailed to the Nashville Training Academy, where he is the lead PT instructor as well as a fire instructor. Gunny has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training from Middle Tennessee State University along with a master’s degree in public administration from Strayer University. He is a certified Fire Instructor and Fire officer along with holding an AEMT certification. He is an instructor for the Nelms Fire Company and has assisted in multiple training events with the company. Gunny is married to his beautiful wife Amber (10 years) and has two sons, Julian 17 and Aidan 7.
Matthew Johnson
In 2017, while walking his dog with his girlfriend (now wife) they passed a fire house and spun up conversation with a firefighter. A month later he was sitting in recruit class training to become a volunteer firefighter. Today, middle Tennessee, Matthew works as career firefighter and continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter.
