Deputy Chief Kim Lawson is a 28-year veteran of the Nashville Fire Department.  She currently heads the Community Services Bureau and serves as the Chief Public Information Officer (PIO) with a team of Assistant PIOs for emergency scene response.  She also serves as a member of Chief Halford’s senior staff.  As the Chief PIO, Lawson is the primary point of contact for all media inquiries and public relations/marketing for the citizens and visitors of Nashville-Davidson County.

Lawson began her career with the Nashville Fire Department in 1979 as an Emergency Medical Technician and then completed the Paramedic program at the University of Tennessee in Nashville. She has risen through the ranks of District Chief and Assistant Chief. In March of 2001, she was assigned to the Fire Administration Division at Fire Headquarters.  In May 2003, Lawson was promoted to Deputy Chief making her the first female in the history of the Nashville Fire Department to hold this rank.

Lawson holds a B.S. degree in Public Safety Administration and has completed the Fire Service Executive Management Program at Owen School of Management at Vanderbilt University.  Additionally, she has been certified by several nationally recognized organizations as a Public Information Officer (PIO) and media relations professional.  Lawson also serves as the Fire Department liaison to the Mayor’s office of Neighborhoods.

Under Lawson’s leadership, the Community Services Bureau is responsible for the following: Fire Marshal function to include Inspections, Plans Review, and Fire Investigations; Public Education and Community Risk Reduction; Public Relations; Accreditation; Special Events; Commendations and Memorials; Color/Honor Guard; Chaplain program; Community Outreach; Recruitment; Special projects; and Coordination of support groups.

The Community Services Bureau is comprised of an experienced and dedicated staff consisting of: Fire Marshal Danny Hunt and staff, an Assistant Chief, 8 District Chiefs, 2 Captains, Chaplain, Lieutenant, 2 Inspectors-Public Educators, and an Administrative Assistant.

1-615-862-5437