Rhea County Emergency Management Director Brad Harrison was recognized by the Rhea County Commission at its Tuesday night meeting for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly sent a letter to County Executive Jim Vincent thanking Mr. Harrison and his staff for their recent help for the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Thirty-one-year veteran firefighter Captain George Turley was on duty at Station 16 on Lupton Drive last Dec. 14 when he suffered a medical emergency. Members of his crew found him unresponsive and initiated CPR. Captain Turley was rushed to the hospital where life-saving efforts continued, but ultimately and tragically, he passed away.
EMA Director Harrison sent an engine and a crew of six to staff one of the Chattanooga Fire Department's stations while the Chattanooga Fire Department attended the funeral of Captain Turley.
“Your aid allowed our team to be together, grieve and send off Captain Turley well. The Chattanooga Fire Department, our community, and myself are very grateful,” said Mayor Kelly.
“I was surprised at this,” said County Executive Jim Vincent. “I didn’t know that this even happened.”
Mr. Vincent said this was one more great thing that EMA Director Harrison has done.
Director Harrison said that he recently received a non-matching grant from the state of Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance State Fire Marshall’s Office for $21,225 with will supply the County Fire Department with sets of boots, turnout gear, gloves, helmet and firefighting hoods.