Chattanooga Fire Department Formalizes Community Risk Reduction Division to Strengthen Public Safety Efforts.
CHATTANOOGA, TN – The Chattanooga Fire Department is proud to announce the formal establishment of its Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division, reinforcing the department’s long-standing commitment to proactive public safety and community engagement.
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While the department has provided fire prevention education, outreach initiatives, safety programs, and risk-reduction efforts for many years, the creation of a dedicated CRR Division marks an important step in coordinating and expanding those services under a unified strategy.
The CRR Division will focus on identifying community-specific risks and implementing programs designed to prevent emergencies before they happen. Efforts will include public education, smoke alarm initiatives, fall prevention, youth outreach, disaster preparedness, community partnerships, and targeted safety campaigns based on local data and trends.
“Community risk reduction is about meeting people where they are and helping prevent emergencies before they occur,” said Lt. Jumaane Lanier, CFD’s Fire & Life Safety Educator. “This work has always been part of our mission, but formalizing this team allows us to be even more intentional, collaborative, and effective in serving our community.”
The team will work closely with schools, neighborhood organizations, healthcare partners, businesses, and public safety agencies to address the unique needs of the community through education, prevention, and outreach.
The formation of the CRR Division reflects a growing emphasis within the fire service on prevention-focused strategies that improve quality of life, reduce injuries, and enhance overall community resilience.
“Fire departments today do far more than respond to emergencies,” said Captain Damien Vinson, Community Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator. “By investing in prevention and community partnerships, we can help create a safer community for everyone.”
The CRR Division's first official community project will be an Elder Care Drive, focused on collecting essential household items for older adults and vulnerable residents in the community.
All 20 of our fire stations will be drop-off points for items like toilet paper, trash bags, bar soap, paper towels, and laundry detergent pods. Donation dates are from June 1-June 8, 2026. Together, we can support our elders! Thank you in advance for your generosity and support with this initiative.
With the CRR Division, the CFD will continue building partnerships that connect residents with resources, strengthen prevention efforts, and support safer homes across Chattanooga.
Please follow the amazing work of the CRR Division on social media at: @ChattFireCRR.
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