TDCI Assistant Commissioner Gary Farley Announces Retirement

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) announces the retirement of Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Gary Farley.

Farley, a longtime Murfreesboro resident and career firefighter, has served as Assistant Commissioner since 2018 where he managed the day-to-day operations of the Fire Prevention Division's eight sections, including the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Tennessee Fire Service & Codes Enforcement Academy, Codes Enforcement, and the Tennessee Firefighting Commission. He began his career with the Department in 2011 as Director of the Division’s Electrical, Residential, and Marina Inspections section.

“Gary leaves a legacy at our Department as a dedicated public servant who has spent most of his life focusing on saving lives and property as a firefighter and later in a leadership role here in our Department,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence. “While we are sad to see him go, Gary’s impact on the Department and the entire State of Tennessee will be felt for years to come. I congratulate Gary on this milestone and wish him well as a retiree!”

A 1976 graduate of Oakland High School, Farley began his career as a firefighter for the City of Murfreesboro in 1984. He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief of Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department in 1994 and promoted again to its Operations Chief in 1998. Farley served as a Rutherford County Commissioner from 1994 to 2014 and served on the Rutherford County Planning Commission from 2006 to 2010. He currently serves on the Rutherford County Board of Zoning Appeals.

“My wife Deborah recently retired, and I believe it is the perfect time to join her in our golden years by spending our time seeing our friends, traveling the country, and watching our grandchildren grow up,” said Farley. “I truly appreciate the support that I have received from everyone at the Department, as well as the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office, who have done more to help Tennessee firefighters and rescue squad members than at any other point in my lifetime. Serving in this Administration has been a pleasure, and the memories of achievements from this time will last forever. I have gained lifelong friendships that I value greatly, and those will remain for a lifetime.”

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