Town of Collierville
The Collierville Fire Department hosted its annual holiday luncheon at the heart of this holiday season. For the second year, the luncheon allowed fellowship and fun between firefighters, families, command staff, administrative staff, and town officials, but it also played host to the presentation of the second annual Firefighter of the Year Award. The Firefighter of the Year nominations come from fellow firefighters and personnel in the department. Fire Chief John Selberg asks for individuals to be nominated who represent what is great about the Collierville Fire Department and someone whose contributions to the fire department, work ethic, effort, and genuine concern for others go above and beyond the regular call to duty—a Collierville Firefighter who represents the best of the best.
The 2023 Firefighter of the Year meets all of Chief Selberg’s requirements and more. Lieutenant/Paramedic Dennis ‘Jimbo’ Hunsucker began his firefighting career in Somerville in 2000, completing rookie school in Germantown before being hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic at the Collierville Fire Department in September 2007. Lieutenant Hunsucker has risen through the ranks, being promoted to Driver in September 2015 and Lieutenant in March 2018.
His fellow firefighters nominated Lieutenant Hunsucker for his genuine care for the community, his desire to go above and beyond to help during emergencies, and his dedication to training firefighters of all experience levels. Lieutenant Hunsucker is an experienced firefighter who teaches many classes for the Collierville Fire Department and is an adjunct instructor for the State of Tennessee Fire Academy, teaching classes such as Pumper and Aerial Operations, Vehicle Extrication, EMS classes, various technical rescue courses, and presentations on the actions of Collierville Fire and other agencies during the events of the Kroger Shooting on September 23, 2021.
Lt. Hunsucker also serves as a coordinator for Collierville’s Swift Water Rescue and Special Operations Team, a Tennessee Task Force One member that deploys to disasters across the country, as a Fire Investigator assisting our Fire Marshal with fire investigations, and on numerous committees at Collierville Fire.
Lieutenant Hunsucker’s fellow firefighters noted his dedication to his own personal development and the development of other firefighters, showing a true passion for helping each Firefighter become the best Firefighter they can be and pushing them to constantly better themselves. Lieutenant Hunsucker’s cool and calm demeanor, ability to teach, and ability to lead by example make it easy to see why he was voted the 2023 Firefighter of the Year.
Lieutenant Hunsucker says he is humbled and honored to be chosen, especially by his fellow firefighters. “Working closely with an excellent crew and alongside talented peers has been a source of inspiration and motivation each day.”
Lieutenant Hunsucker is grateful to be supported in his career by his loving family: wife of almost 20 years, Keri, and daughters Chaille, Brinley, and Ataleigh.
Congratulations on a well-deserved honor, Lt. Hunsucker!
