North Charlotte Today

Frank Nash, a firefighter in Charlotte and former professional wrestler, proudly displays his championship belt outside Firehouse 17. At 38, Nash is a seasoned veteran of firefighting, having joined the Charlotte ranks in 2017 after a decade in Chester and Fort Mill. Before becoming a firefighter, Nash was involved in professional wrestling.

Nash began his firefighting career in 2007 with the Chester Fire Department. "I started my career back in 2007 with the Chester Fire Department," Nash said. "I was 21 years old and full of energy. My mother’s personal trainer was a firefighter, and he encouraged me to join as a volunteer. A few months later, they had a full-time position open, and I applied. I got on the first try."

Growing up, Nash had a passion for professional wrestling shared by his family. "Wrestling was always on in the house," Nash recalled. "When a wrestling league opened up in Chester, I jumped at the chance to train. In 2005, I got into the ring for real."

Nash trained rigorously for six hours daily to learn wrestling techniques. “It was intense,” he said. “You have to learn how to take bumps, hit the ropes, and protect yourself and your opponent.” His dedication led him to wrestle alongside some of his childhood heroes like Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts and Jay Lethal.

Despite his success in wrestling, Nash felt drawn towards firefighting. In 2007, he decided to focus on his fire service career. “Wrestling was amazing, but the reward of helping people as a firefighter was something I couldn’t pass up,” Nash explained.

In 2017, after serving in Chester and Fort Mill for ten years, Nash joined the Charlotte Fire Department with encouragement from retired Captain Billy Griffin. “Billy retired from Charlotte and became the chief in Fort Mill,” Nash said.

Assigned to Station 17 at CLT airport's Battalion 8 brought new challenges for Nash. “This station is different,” he said. Learning about airfield operations and aircraft fires required him to become Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARF) certified.

Nash has thrived at Station 17 despite these challenges. “It’s been great,” he said about working with his team at CLT airport.

Beyond firefighting duties, Nash aims to inspire future generations through community service efforts: “It’s about giving back to the community and motivating kids.”

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson praised Frank's unique skills: "Frank brings discipline from his wrestling days that translates perfectly into firefighting."

Although he misses wrestling's adrenaline rush occasionally watching it with his daughter keeps him connected while focusing on saving lives as part of Charlotte's fire department team today: “Firefighting is where my heart is now.”

Frank’s journey exemplifies following passions combined with dedicated public service impacting positively across communities served whether inside or outside ringside arenas alike today making significant differences every day within city limits here too finally showcasing true commitment overall ultimately indeed!