News Releases

The Tennessee Military Department, along with state and local agencies, conducted an emergency response exercise throughout the state this week. Named “Tennessee Maneuvers 2024,” the exercise simulated an emergency response to a flood in southeast Tennessee. In Chattanooga on Thursday, a helicopter could be seen from Highway 153 pulling people out of the water. Multiple survivors were located north of the Chickamauga Dam and needed to be rescued. Firefighters and soldiers were lifted out of the water and into the helicopter and then taken to safety. Chattanooga Fire, Hamilton County EMS, TVA Police, TEMA, Nashville Fire Department’s Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, and the Tennessee National Guard were present. Drills like this give agencies the opportunity to collaborate and prepare for a major disaster response.

CFD, CPD and Public Works rushed to help a Chattanooga police officer Thursday morning. On May 9, 2024, at 8:18 AM, the officer was on routine patrol in the 1600 block of Hixson Pike when a tree fell on his patrol vehicle. The officer was unable to exit the vehicle, so he requested assistance. Chattanooga Fire Department's Red Shift Battalion 3, Squad 1, Squad 19, Squad 20, and Engine 16 responded to the scene. Chattanooga Public Works was in the area working to clear debris with a front end loader. CPD and CFD requested assistance from Public Works to lift the tree off of the CPD patrol vehicle. Once the tree was lifted off of the vehicle, the officer was able to open the door and get out of the vehicle. Hamilton County EMS transported the officer to a local hospital with minor injuries. CPD's Traffic Unit responded to conduct the investigation. 

Blue Shift companies responded to the 100 block of McFarland Avenue in North Chattanooga at 3:55 AM on 5/9/24 after 911 received reports of a residential structure fire. Firefighters immediately started attacking flames found at the back of the house. They extinguished the fire and the cause is under investigation. No injuries to report.

The Chattanooga Fire Department has a new swiftwater rescue team, composed of 26 firefighters. They have all new gear and five new boats to support their operations. The team spent several days training on the Hiwassee River for a swiftwater technician course, taught by Hamilton County Special Tactics & Rescue Services (STARS). Firefighters learned different skills, including flipping a capsized boat and swimming in the current. The team is a deployable asset with the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association and the CFD hopes to soon have the team accredited through the State of Tennessee to become a deployable state asset. They will continue training at various locations and they’re prepared to respond to incidents in Chattanooga and beyond.