He was paid to fight fires, but now a top Hendersonville firefighter is suspected of selling drugs. Division fire chief Nathan Douglas, Jr. is part of a federal drug investigation for allegedly selling drugs out of his home. Those who know Douglas best now find the news hard to believe.
Two glaringly different pictures have emerged of Nathan Douglas. One is the man outside his house on Tuesday, suspected of selling cocaine to undercover agents. The other picture is that of a division chief with a long distinguished career at the Hendersonville Fire Department.
Hendersonville fire chief Jamie Steele said, "I have known Nathan. We have worked together for 26 years."
Hendersonville's top fire chief spoke of his friend shortly after Douglas voluntarily resigned Tuesday afternoon. That came after the federal and local drug agents swarmed around the division chief's home.
"Nathan is a very good firefighter. He has always been there for this department, and citizens of Hendersonville. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," said Steele.
Investigators told News 2 that Douglas sold a total of 7 oz. of cocaine to undercover drug agents during five separate transactions. One of the agents talked off-camera about what the fire chief told him.
"Mr. Douglas dropped his head and said, 'my career is over,'" he said.
The DA's office for Sumner County told News 2 that drug charges against the former top Hendersonville fireman are anticipated in the near future. And former chief Douglas isn't alone - he's one of three men sought in federal warrants for allegedly selling cocaine in Hendersonville.
