As 2025 comes to a close, we pause to reflect on a year defined by service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our community—while setting our sights on an even stronger 2026.
In 2025, the Chattanooga Fire Department responded to more than 22,000 calls, including 1,016 fires, over 10,018 rescue & EMS calls (46% of our call volume), and more than 1,102 motor vehicle crashes with injuries. There were also more than 1578 “Assist a Citizen” calls.
In comparison, in 2024, the CFD responded to more than 23,000 calls, including 1,176 fires, over 7,800 EMS calls, and more than 1,861 motor vehicle crashes. There were also more than 1560 “Assist a Citizen” calls.
The most impactful event of the year for our department was a change in leadership. Terry Knowles was named fire chief upon the retirement of Chief Phil Hyman. With decades of experience, Chief Knowles brings a great deal of knowledge and strategic thinking to the role, overseeing more than 450 civilian and sworn employees. He has skillfully set his vision and goals for the CFD in motion and under his strong leadership, our department will continue to thrive and progress.
Throughout 2025, many other achievements and milestones were reached. With the support of the voting public approving a change to the city’s charter, residency requirements for our hiring process were lifted. Being able to employ candidates from other nearby states allows the CFD to have the best quality candidates. Expanding the applicant pool also enables us to address staffing shortages, save on training costs, and maintain the high quality of public safety services Chattanooga residents rely on.
In March, we celebrated the grand opening of our new training tower at our training center off Amnicola Highway. The state-of-the-art $3 million structure is a joint project between the city and county. The 8,053 square-foot tower gives firefighters the most comprehensive training possible with six stories and multiple burn rooms. It is designed for live fire, search and rescue, high-rise fire operations, technical rescue, hose deployment drills, fire attack, ventilation, aerial ladder training, forcible entry, firefighter rescue scenarios and many other courses that mimic real emergencies. It will serve the Chattanooga Fire Department and surrounding departments for many years, helping to train future generations
of firefighters.
Also in March, we also had the first surrender of an infant at our Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 6 on Bonny Oaks Drive. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the parent who made the courageous decision to ensure their child’s safety by turning to the baby box- a safe and anonymous option for parents in crisis. The Safe Haven Baby Box at Station 6 continues to serve as a vital resource for protecting vulnerable infants and supporting families during difficult moments.
In April, our Wildland Fire Team went into operation and the team has already proven to be an asset. These firefighters can deploy locally and regionally to assist with wildfire suppression. They are also a deployable asset for the State of TN to assist with any large wildfires. To support wildland firefighting operations, the CFD expanded our brush truck and UTV fleet in order to give firefighters better access to hard-to-reach areas.
Also in April, the Chattanooga Fire Department and Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association Local 820 hosted a Regional Advanced Extrication Class, bringing more than 60 firefighters from Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina to train in the Scenic City. Areas covered during the course included: using special air bags to lift vehicles, side impact damage, impalement, vehicles stuck on a concrete barrier, a crash involving a school bus, and vehicle movement to manipulate damaged cars in order to get to patients.
In early August, a class of 32 cadets made it through our six-month fire academy to become the newest members of the Chattanooga Fire Department. The 2026 Fire Academy starts January 23th with 30 cadets.
Also in August, the Chattanooga Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team received their accreditation from the State of Tennessee. The team underwent an evaluation by TEMA in order to receive their accreditation, successfully making multiple rescues along the Tennessee River during a mock scenario during the final part of the process. Their accreditation means they are a deployable state asset. On August 12, 2025, the team responded to severe flash flooding in eastern parts of the city, rescuing motorists from sunken cars and stranded residents from flooded areas.
In September, significant pay increases were secured for Chattanooga firefighters with the support of the mayor and city council. This was done to recruit and retain qualified firefighters as Chattanooga was shockingly far behind other cities in public safety salaries.
In October, the CFD expanded response capabilities in East Brainerd by placing Ladder 21 in service at Fire Station 21 on East Brainerd Road.This provides more substantial coverage for neighborhoods and businesses in that part of the city. Fifteen additional firefighters were assigned to that fire station to staff the additional truck. This moment also represented an important milestone for our department’s growth. For the first time since 2016, the CFD increased the number of firefighters in our department. That growth reflects the expanding needs of our city and our commitment to keeping pace with Chattanooga’s ongoing development.
The long-term health and safety of our firefighters continues to be a top priority for the CFD. In 2025, our department received grant funding to provide ultrasound cancer screening to all of our firefighters. Certain cancers are more prevalent for firefighters. Early detection is crucial because it significantly increases successful treatment and survival, and may allow for a wider range of treatment options when found early. The procedure included ultrasound screening for several different types of
cancer and heart-related issues. Moving forward, the CFD is launching heart-healthy initiatives, including increased blood screenings and low dose CT scans. We will also be focused on firefighters’ overall physical and mental wellness through our in-service training.
In 2025, the CFD received six new fire trucks as we continue to modernize our fleet and in 2026, ten more trucks will make their way to Chattanooga. Construction on Station 14 in Saint Elmo begins in June 2026. Work on Fire Station 2 on Aetna Mountain starts in early 2026.
From emergency calls to community outreach, 2025 showcased the dedication of our firefighters and the strength of our community—building momentum as we move into 2026. The Chattanooga Fire Department remains focused on progress, preparedness, and people. 2025 was a year of growth, and 2026 promises even greater opportunity to protect and serve.
CFD 2025 Year in Review Video:
https://youtu.be/mOBR53tRFGM?si=N1KIsH6iuQ5j-IQb