CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 16, 2025) – Terry Knowles has been hired as the
next chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD), Mayor Tim Kelly
announced today.
Knowles has served as the department’s assistant chief of special
operations since 2022. He started at CFD as a firefighter in 2005 and
climbed the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief. He
was also an Urban Search & Rescue instructor.
“The Chattanooga Fire Department is one of the very best in America,” Kelly
said. “We had a very competitive pool of internal applicants for this post
and appreciate the knowledge and skill set Terry Knowles brings to this
role. I know he will pick up where Phil Hyman left off.”
Hyman had previously announced he would retire in July.
Knowles is a member of the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association Local 820
and previously served as president of the Chattanooga Fire and Police
Pension Fund. He served in the U.S. Navy before going to work for the
Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department in 1994. He was educated at Dalton
State College and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.
“It’s an incredible honor to serve as the 21st Fire Chief of the
Chattanooga Fire Department. The CFD has been a part of my life for more
than 20 years and Chattanooga is my hometown,” Chief Knowles said. “The
courageous men and women of this department inspire me each day and I have
had the privilege of serving alongside the most dedicated firefighters
you’ll ever meet. I’m extremely proud to lead the CFD as we continue
serving the people of Chattanooga."
Chief Knowles will go before the City Council for confirmation.
