For Fire Chief Mark Foulks of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, firefighting isn’t just a career—it’s a legacy. Inspired by his father, a decorated firefighter who served over 29 years with the Knoxville Fire Department, Foulks found his calling early. “We were fortunate enough to serve together for three years before he retired,” he says with pride. That shared time in uniform laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to fire and emergency services—a journey now spanning more than 35 years.
As his career progressed, so did his mission. “I realized that by stepping into leadership roles, I could create positive change across the department,” he explains. His focus shifted from individual acts of service to system-wide improvements—all aimed at saving more lives and enhancing service to the community.
Among countless calls, the most memorable have been those where his team directly saved lives. “There’s nothing like the feeling when someone who had no pulse and wasn’t breathing walks out of the hospital without limitations. That’s indescribable,” he says, reflecting the weight and wonder of the work.
The Fire Department of Mt. Juliet (FDMJ) handles more than 5,000 calls annually—fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and hazardous incidents. Preparation is key, and Foulks credits their success to three pillars: staffing, equipment, and training. “We make sure we’re well-staffed, properly equipped, and constantly training,” he says.
Training at FDMJ is extensive. The department now offers in-house programs leading to state certification for firefighters and licensure for emergency medical technicians. “These programs ensure our team is not just ready—but ahead of the curve,” Foulks notes. This forward-thinking approach is one of many ways the department continues to evolve with the city's needs.
Foulks’ leadership is grounded in a set of core values: professionalism, integrity, accountability, compassion, unity, stewardship, and progress. “These aren’t just words. They guide every interaction we have,” he says. From safety inspections to fire prevention education, the department ensures each touchpoint reflects its mission to serve with heart.
Community engagement plays a vital role. Through station tours, fire safety programs, and pre-incident planning, the department builds proactive relationships with residents. “We want to prevent emergencies before they happen,” Foulks says. Their annual life safety inspections help ensure Mt. Juliet businesses remain safe and code-compliant.
With Mt. Juliet growing rapidly, the department is expanding too. A new station under construction will centralize resources and reduce response times citywide. Two more stations are planned for the city’s east side over the next decade, with a sixth near the Central Pike interchange already on the radar. “We’re planning ahead, keeping pace with development,” Foulks explains.
Collaboration is key to handling this growth. The Wilson Emergency Management Agency (WEMA) provides mutual aid, especially during peak demand when all ambulances are committed and FDMJ provides mutual aid support to WEMA. “It’s a strong, supportive relationship that ensures we’re covered when it counts,” he adds.
At the heart of it all is a deeply bonded team. “Our operations personnel spend 48 hours at a time together. You can’t help but become close,” Foulks says. “They care—about each other and the community. That’s what makes them exceptional.”
Foulks’ leadership is grounded in a set of core values: professionalism, integrity, accountability, compassion, unity, stewardship, and progress. “These aren’t just words. They guide every interaction we have,” he says.