Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 0780 - Commerce and Insurance
Subtitle 0780-02 - Division of Fire Prevention
Chapter 0780-02-20 - Fire Department Recognition
Section 0780-02-20-.02 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(1) No municipality, county, political subdivision, organization, agency or entity shall operate a fire department within the State of Tennessee unless it has been duly recognized by the State Fire Marshal.

(2) No new fire department may be established or recognized in Tennessee without the approval of the local elected governing body. This approval shall include the geographical territory to be covered by the new fire department.

(3) No governmental unit, person, organization, agency or entity shall receive or solicit money from any source, including local, state, or federal government, for the purpose of operating a fire department unless the governmental unit, person, organization, agency, or entity maintains a valid certificate of registration from the State Fire Marshal.