Chattanooga Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team To Receive State Accreditation

Days after coming to the aid of dozens of stranded residents and motorists during Chattanooga’s historic flash flooding event, the Chattanooga Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team will be awarded their accreditation from the State of Tennessee. Patrick Sheehan, the director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, will present the certificate to the team Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Chattanooga Police & Fire Training Center.

Officials said, "Years of hard work has gone into creating, equipping and training this specialized team and it’s already paying off in the form of life-saving responses. The CFD’s Swiftwater Rescue Team, composed of 26 firefighters, is a deployable asset with the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association and with their accreditation, they are also a deployable state asset.

"In June, the team responded to a flash flood incident at the Pocket Wilderness hiking area where they assisted with the rescue of 56 people trapped on the other side of the creek. Last week on 8/12/25, the team was deployed during severe flash flooding in eastern parts of the city, rescuing motorists from sunken cars and stranded residents from flooded areas. Even after effecting rescues, they spent time searching stranded cars, making sure they didn’t miss anyone in need of their help.

"The team underwent an evaluation in June 2025 by TEMA to receive their accreditation, successfully making multiple rescues along the Tennessee River during a mock scenario during the final part of the process. In the scenario, a couple capsized their kayak. One person was on the bottom of a steep embankment with injuries and the other was clinging to a tree in the middle of the river. The swiftwater team saved both individuals under the watch of evaluators."

“We need to have the right resources in place to support Tennesseans - and others across the country - when they need it. The Chattanooga Fire Department's Swiftwater Rescue Team officially became one of those assets through a lengthy state accreditation process. Thanks for the hard work and support, CFD,” TEMA stated.