The Chattanooga Fire Department held its annual Fire Prevention Week ceremonies Monday morning at the Fire Training Center and at Fountain Square next to the county courthouse.
Fire Chief Randy Parker and Fire Marshal James Whitmire kicked off Fire Prevention Week, which marks a series of public education events at area schools to teach children about fire safety.
Rick Carlson with the Chattanooga Hamilton Place Rotary Club announced that Lt. Terry Knowles was selected as this year’s Firefighter of the Year. Lt. Knowles was picked because of his role in an incident that occurred earlier this year. Here is a description of what happened then from Lt. Nathan Vaughn with the Chattanooga Police Department, who personally witnessed a life-saving rescue involving Lt. Knowles:
“On Sunday, May 20, a church was having a baptism service at a local pool. After the service some of the kids were swimming as the adults visited with each other on the pool deck. While the adults talked, a young child began to cry for help. He had gotten into water over his head and was unable to swim to safety. Without hesitation, Lt. Terry Knowles jumped into the pool, in his Sunday clothes (including 2 cell phones), grabbed the child and delivered him safely to the child’s parents. This action by Lt. Knowles demonstrates the professionalism embodied by members of the Chattanooga Fire Department. His immediate action serves as an example for others to follow. I am proud to call Terry Knowles a friend and I am honored to serve alongside him as an emergency responder in the City of Chattanooga.”
At the Firefighter’s Memorial Fountain next to the county courthouse, Fire Chief Randy Parker led a brief ceremony to recognize those firefighters who have passed away over the past year.
Under a rainy sky, Joe Simpson with the City of Chattanooga Pipe Band played “Amazing Grace” on his bagpipes as Chattanooga firefighters remembered those firefighters who have passed away over the past year.