Nashville terminates Metro Emergency Communications Director Steve Martini after investigation into workplace complaints and oversight failures
Leadership change follows independent review of complaint handling at Nashville’s emergency communications department
Nashville has terminated Stephen “Steve” Martini, the director of the Metropolitan Department of Emergency Communications, concluding a civil-service disciplinary process that began in early January after an independent investigation examined how the department handled workplace complaints.
Martini’s dismissal took effect Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. He had been placed on administrative leave on Jan. 9 after declining a request to resign. The mayor’s office subsequently initiated formal disciplinary proceedings and filed charges that included failure to perform official duty and deficient or inefficient performance of duties.
What the investigation covered
The review was conducted by attorney Luther Wright of the law firm Ogletree Deakins and delivered to Metro leadership in mid-January. The investigation focused on three areas: reports of sexual harassment by a work colleague within the department; Metro’s response to complaints filed by employee Hannah McGuire and other employees; and whether any Metro employee failed to properly investigate such claims.
Metro leadership described the investigation’s findings as serious and substantiated against Martini and the functions under his oversight. The findings centered on leadership and process issues rather than emergency call-taking performance, and Metro officials said operations continued during the leadership transition.
Disciplinary process and next procedural steps
After Martini was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 9, the administration proceeded with a formal charge letter and a disciplinary hearing at which Martini was able to present his response. The process ended with the decision to terminate his employment on Feb. 2.
Under Metro civil-service rules, the termination decision is subject to an appeal window. Martini may appeal to the Civil Service Commission within 15 calendar days of notification of the disciplinary action.
Interim leadership and continuity of service
Patrice Coleman, who had been serving as acting director during Martini’s leave, is expected to continue leading the department on an interim basis. The department’s public-facing mission includes managing 9-1-1 call intake and related emergency communications functions for Nashville and Davidson County.
Key dates in the case
Nov. 2024: A sexual harassment complaint that later became part of the investigation timeline was filed by an employee.
Nov. 5, 2025: Metro retained outside counsel to conduct the independent investigation.
Jan. 9, 2026: Martini was placed on administrative leave after declining to resign.
Feb. 2, 2026: Metro terminated Martini following civil-service proceedings.
Metro leadership has characterized the matter as an ongoing personnel issue and has limited detailed public comment while emphasizing that emergency communications services have continued without interruption.
The termination closes one chapter in a wider review of workplace complaint processes inside a department that operates around the clock. Further developments may depend on whether an appeal is filed and what administrative changes Metro adopts to address the investigative findings.