Feb. 22, 2022

City firefighter selected as Tennessee VFW Firefighter of the Year

More than 100 Veterans of Foreign Wars local and regional representatives recently gathered in Nashville for their mid-winter conference and named Johnson City Fire Department Lt. Brandon Jordan the State of Tennessee VFW Firefighter of the Year for 2021.

Lt. Jordan was selected from entries submitted by VFW posts in 11 districts across the state. Johnson City’s John Sevier VFW Post 2108 and the District 1 VFW Post sponsored Lt. Jordan’s entry.

A 17-year veteran of the JCFD who served as a firefighter and driver/engineer before his promotion to lieutenant in March 2020, Lt. Jordan was selected based on his academic accomplishments as well as his contributions to the JCFD. In 2021, Lt. Jordan graduated from Union College in Barbourville, Ky., with two master’s degrees.

“The dual degrees are a significant accomplishment under any circumstance but become extraordinary when you consider that Lt. Jordan did not have an undergraduate degree until May 2019 and earned the dual master’s degrees in just over 18 months,” said District Chief Powell, who accompanied Lt. Jordan to the awards presentation earlier this month.

Lt. Jordan graduated from Walters State Community College’s Fire Science program with an associate’s of applied science degree in 2019. He transferred to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., and obtained his bachelor’s degree in fire administration in May 2020 before enrolling in Union College for his master’s degrees, one in business administration and the other in healthcare administration.

Keeping a 4.0 GPA throughout his entire academic career, Lt. Jordan was also working full-time and making significant contributions to the department. In 2019, he developed a multi-year training approach that the JCFD implemented to enhance its in-service training and succession planning.

“Lt. Jordan has been a clear example of what can happen when you establish a goal, and persevere to its achievement,” said Powell. “The Johnson City Fire Department is fortunate to have members like Lt. Jordan who will be the next generation of leaders. These individuals will allow our organization to meet the needs of our growing community.”

Lt. Jordan is the fourth JCFD employee to receive this state award.

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