The Town of Franklin is proud to announce the appointment of Justin Setser, as the new Fire Chief of Franklin Fire and Rescue.
Chief Setser brings a unique blend of municipal leadership, fire experience and expertise to the position. With 24 years in fire service, Setser held multiple positions including captain and assistant chief, and has served as incident commander during several major incidents. Chief Setser served with Franklin Fire and Rescue for his entire fire service career and worked for the Town of Franklin as the Town Planner/IT Director for the last twelve years.
Setser has been with the department since 2002 and served as assistant chief. He also is the department’s public information officer. He is a third generation firefighter, a medical first responder, Rescue Technician, level II Firefighter and level II Instructor.
“Justin’s background directly aligns with the demands of a modern municipal fire chief. In this role, Setser will oversee planning and implementation of the department’s $1.7 million budget, and lead a team of nine full-time staff and more than 25 volunteer fire fighters. He will direct departmental operations of fire suppression, community risk reduction, as well as supervise safety and emergency preparedness activities and more,” said Town Manager Amie Owens.
He will continue to be a key member of the Town’s leadership team. His dual perspective will ensure that the fire department remains closely integrated with town-wide initiatives. The Town will hire a new Town Planner and outsource IT services as part of this transition.
Chief Setser commented “I am very excited and honored to have been offered the position of the next Fire Chief of Franklin Fire and Rescue. I look forward to serving the citizens of Franklin and working alongside the dedicated firefighters at Franklin. Franklin has had many great fire chiefs, and I hope I can live up to their standards.”
Mayor Stacy Guffey added, “Justin is a true son of Franklin, a dedicated public servant. I can’t think of anyone more qualified in terms of skills and his heart for our community.”
Justin has been serving as the interim Fire Chief since the departure of Ben Ormond in February. Chief Setser will officially assume his full-time duties as Fire Chief on June 5, 2026.