KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The Tullahoma Fire Department got a unique opportunity this past Saturday where they traveled to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to present the colors for the Nashville Predators.

Members of the fire department’s color guard received an invite by the Predators, who reached out to the city administration, to present at a game. The fire department were able to arrange a color guard consisting of Craig Stroop, Zach Smith, Jasen Damron and Greg Griffin. They then received transportation thanks to a donation from Keith Barnett of Russell Barnett Kia who lent them a van to take the crew up for the start of the game against the Colorado Avalanche.

“This was our first professional sporting event to present the colors,” Damron said. “Our color guard has presented in a lot of different places, but this was a first. It was a great boost for our crew all the way around.”

Damron said all the crew really enjoyed the experience.

“I am very proud of my firefighters, they did a great job and represented Tullahoma well,” Fire Chief Kenneth Pearson said. “It was an honor to see them out there doing this. We look forward to getting the opportunity to represent our city again.”

City Administrator Jason Quick echoed Pearson’s sentiments, while also thanking Alderman Matthew Bird who set the opportunity in motion.  

“Upon receiving a call from the Predators asking if we would be interested, there was little doubt our Tullahoma Fire Department Color Guard would represent our City well,” Quick said.

Coincidentally, the firemen presenting the colors wasn’t the only connection Tullahoma had at the game, as Claire Kurtz, the granddaughter of Tullahoma natives Ralph and Rosie Graham, sang the national anthem prior to the game. Claire, whose parents are Drs. Will Kurtz and Emily Graham Kurtz, formerly of Tullahoma, was asked to sing the National Anthem in place of Vince Gill and Amy Grant, who had a scheduling conflict.

According to Graham, Claire is a senior at Ensworth High School in Nashville, where she is a member of the elite Acapella Encore Singers at the school, involved in theatre productions and a member of the Rock Band. In addition, she is also an active member of the Student Government, a member of the Girl’s Golf Team, and honor student.

The Nashville Predators would beat Colorado Avalanche 2-1 that night, but would lose their follow-up game Sunday to the New Jersey Devils 5-0.