The Town of Collierville is proud to announce that Jessica Curran, Fire Education Specialist with Collierville Fire and Rescue, has been named the 2026 Bruce Womack Public Fire Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Public Fire Educators Association. 

Pictured L-R: Fire Marshal Todd Johnson and Public Education Specialist Jessica Curran

The statewide award honors educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to life safety, innovative community outreach, and leadership in fire prevention. Jessica, who also serves as a Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic with the Shelby County Fire Department, has led public education for Collierville Fire and Rescue for the past two years, significantly expanding the department's reach and community impact. 

"I was genuinely surprised and honored to receive the Bruce Womack Public Educator of the Year Award," said Jessica. "To be recognized by colleagues whose work I respect is something I will not soon forget. Public education is a team effort, and I'm fortunate to work alongside people who continually inspire me to grow."

During her tenure, Jessica has reimagined Collierville’s annual Kid Safe Education program into a hands-on, engaging experience using interactive tools like obstacle courses, target activities, and rescue-themed props to teach safety principles to young children. Her inclusive approach spans all demographics, from pre-K escape plans to specialized kitchen safety sessions for senior citizens and individuals with special needs. 

In addition to her work in the classroom and at civic events, Jessica has inspired departmental participation, motivating fellow firefighters to actively lead public safety outreach. Her collaborative efforts with local schools have also boosted engagement in the State Fire Prevention Week poster contest, leading to multiple state-level recognitions for Collierville students. Her contributions to the field previously earned her recognition as a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2025 Rising Star. 

Jessica’s recognition at the annual Tennessee Fire and Life Safety Educators Conference was paired with another career milestone: her election as Vice President of the Tennessee Public Fire Educators Association. In this new leadership role, she will help guide statewide fire prevention initiatives and support public educators across Tennessee.

"I appreciate the confidence my peers have placed in me and look forward to serving the association, growing our membership, and expanding our involvement across the state," Jessica added.