Meet Hero Brannon Whatley (SFD): "A career in the Fire Service is rewarding."

Firefighter Brannon Whatley is one of the heroes honored at the 3rd Annual Smyrna Heroes Gala (formerly Smyrna Auction for Heroes Gala) on 9.8.12 at historic Brawner Hall on Atlanta Road in Smyrna. The Gala benefits the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, which supports Smyrna's Fire and Police Departments as well as the community at large. Festivities start at 7:00 pm and feature live entertainment, gourmet food, delicious drinks, and both live and silent auction items. For more informtion about the Gala, and to get your tickets, see and come to the event prepared to have a fabulous time while we celebrate and honor our firefighter and police officer heroes.

When asked what attracted him to a career as a firefighter, Brannon Whatley responded that “the team-oriented atmosphere while helping a community in keeping safe led me to begin and enjoy a career in public safety.”  Like many “heroes” in the Smyrna Fire Department, Whatley, too, finds immense job satisfaction in knowing he plays a role in protecting his community.  The ethic of “service” runs deep within the SFD.

Whatley’s proud to serve as a firefighter. He understands that frequently firefighters encounter people at some of the worse times of their lives, and he appreciates when “Citizens acknowledge your dedication and hard work in helping them during emergency situations.”  Whatley has been a firefighter for 6 years, with about 4 years in Smyrna. His training includes a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and certification as a Paramedic and Hazmat Technician.

Like many Smyrna firefighters and police officers, Whatley, too, appreciates what the Smyrna Public Safety (SPSF) does for the Fire and Police Departments and the community at large. One of the most important programs the SPSF provides, in Whatley’s estimation, is the benevolent fund that helps sick and injured public safety workers.

And another of his favorite programs funded by the SPSF is the annual holiday “Shop with a Hero” day. Smyrna fire and police “heroes” take area disadvantaged children to lunch and then shopping at local retailers. With funds provided by the SPSF, these children, with the officers’ help, purchase items for themselves and their families. Such is the economic situation of many of these children that they happily buy themselves toothpaste, toiletries, school supplies, and other necessary items that are beyond their families’ budgets. They also frequently buy gifts for themselves and their families to brighten what might otherwise be a dreary holiday season. Both the children and Smyrna’s police and fire “heroes” enjoy this outing, which would not be possible without the SPSF.

Whatley concluded by observing that “A career in the Fire Service is rewarding. It has led to building a second family, meeting great people and having close friends.”

Thank you, Firefighter Whatley, for your commitment in serving and protecting this community.

Learn more about the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation's Heroes Gala on Facebook