From the Wrestling Ring to the Firehouse
Published on September 24, 2024
Frank Nash, a Charlotte firefighter and former professional wrestler, proudly holds his championship belt outside Firehouse 17, where he now fights fires instead of opponents.
By Kevin Campbell
Frank Nash isn’t your typical firefighter. With a broad smile that hints at his wrestling days, Nash has become a beloved figure in the Charlotte Fire Department. At 38, he’s a seasoned veteran of firefighting, having joined the Charlotte ranks in 2017 after a decade in Chester and Fort Mill. But before he was donning fire gear, Nash was stepping into the squared circle as a professional wrestler, a passion that still lights up his conversations.
Nash’s journey to the Charlotte Fire Department began far from the city’s bustling streets. “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.”
But firefighting wasn’t Nash’s only love. Growing up, he was obsessed with professional wrestling, a passion 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 takes a moment in the gym with his championship belt. His journey from the wrestling ring to the firehouse reflects his dedication to physical fitness and commitment to serving the community, both inside and outside the ring.
Nash trained rigorously, dedicating six hours a day to learning the craft. “It was intense,” he said. “You have to learn how to take bumps, hit the ropes, and protect yourself and your opponent. It’s a lot of hard work, but I loved every minute of it.”
His dedication paid off, and Nash soon found himself wrestling alongside some of his childhood heroes. “I got to meet and even wrestle with some big names like Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts and Jay Lethal,” Nash said, a glint of pride in his eyes. “One of the highlights of my career was winning a cage match in my hometown. The whole town knew me, and when I won that belt, it was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Despite his success in the ring, Nash felt a stronger pull towards firefighting. In 2007, he made the difficult decision to hang up his wrestling boots and focus on his career in the fire service. “Wrestling was amazing, but the reward of helping people as a firefighter was something I couldn’t pass up,” Nash explained. “It’s one thing to entertain, but it’s another to save lives.”
Nash is stationed at CLT airport, gears up in front of his fire truck apparatus. Nash is always ready to protect and serve the community, whether it’s in the ring or on the runway.
In 2017, after a decade of service in Chester and Fort Mill, Nash joined the Charlotte Fire Department, motivated by the encouragement of retired Captain Billy Griffin. “Billy retired from Charlotte and became the chief in Fort Mill,” Nash said. “We talked about me joining Charlotte, and I knew it was the right move.”
Nash was assigned to Station 17, Battalion 8, where he faced a new set of challenges. “This station is different,” Nash said. “Learning about the airfield and aircraft fires was eye-opening. Being Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARF) certified is crucial here, and it’s a whole different level of firefighting.”
Nash walks across the tarmac at CLT airport, ready to respond to any emergency.
Despite the transition, Nash has thrived in his role. “It’s been great,” he said. “Being out here, working with the team, and forming that brotherhood is something special. We’re not just fighting fires; we’re protecting a critical part of the city’s infrastructure.”
Nash’s passion for service goes beyond firefighting. He’s also dedicated to inspiring the next generation. “I think it’s a calling,” Nash said. “It’s about giving back to the community and motivating kids to pursue their dreams, whether that’s becoming a firefighter or something else. It’s about making a difference.”
"Frank brings a unique blend of discipline and determination from his wrestling days that translates perfectly into firefighting. His experience in the ring has made him resilient and quick on his feet, both of which are invaluable on the frontlines," Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson said. "We’re proud to have him in our ranks, where his passion for service and his commitment to the team make him a standout firefighter."
With his focus and determination, Nash embodies the commitment and courage it takes to protect the community in high-pressure situations, drawing from his diverse background.
Though he misses the adrenaline of the wrestling ring, Nash finds fulfillment in his current role. “I still love wrestling,” he admitted. “I watch it all the time, and my daughter loves it too. We go to shows in Chester, and it’s great to share that with her. But firefighting is where my heart is now.”
Nash’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and the impact of service. From the wrestling ring to the fire station, Frank Nash has made his mark, and Charlotte is all the better for it.