News Summary
Terry Knowles has been appointed as the new chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department, succeeding Phil Hyman. With a career at CFD since 2005, Knowles brings extensive experience, having advanced through various ranks. His commitment to emergency response and community safety will shape his leadership as he outlines his vision to the City Council for confirmation. Knowles’s dedication is evident as he balances family life while ensuring high-quality emergency services in Chattanooga.
Chattanooga – Terry Knowles has been appointed as the new chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD), following an announcement from Mayor Tim Kelly on Wednesday. Knowles will step into the role previously held by Phil Hyman, who announced his retirement in July after many years of service.
Terry Knowles brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having been part of the Chattanooga Fire Department since 2005. He has steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as the assistant chief of special operations since 2022. His career within the CFD includes various key positions such as lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief. In addition, Knowles is recognized for his expertise as an Urban Search & Rescue instructor, indicating his commitment to specialized training and emergency response readiness.
Mayor Kelly emphasized that Knowles’ selection was made from a competitive pool of internal applicants, reflecting the high caliber of the firefighting talent within the department. The Chattanooga Fire Department is regarded by the mayor as one of the best fire departments in America. This recognition underscores the importance of the leadership role Knowles will now occupy as he oversees operations for a staff of 430 sworn and civilian personnel.
In his new capacity as chief, Knowles will be responsible for ensuring that the department continues to provide high-quality emergency services to the community. He has been a key figure in major response operations, focusing on providing rescuers with the necessary equipment and training to perform their roles effectively.
Knowles’ background also includes service in the U.S. Navy, demonstrating his dedication to public service. Before joining the CFD, he worked at the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department beginning in 1994. His diverse experiences contribute to his comprehensive understanding of law enforcement and emergency response needed to lead the department.
Knowles is a member of the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association Local 820 and has previously served as the president of the Chattanooga Fire and Police Pension Fund, showcasing his involvement in the welfare of first responders. His education includes degrees from Dalton State College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, providing him with a solid academic foundation to complement his practical experiences.
Terry Knowles has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the 21st Fire Chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department, highlighting his deep connection to the community. Having been a part of the CFD for over 20 years, he regards Chattanooga as his hometown and is inspired by the courageous men and women who serve alongside him in the department.
The next step in Knowles’ appointment is to go before the City Council for confirmation, where he will likely outline his vision for the fire department moving forward. His leadership comes at a crucial time, as he aims to uphold the high standards set by his predecessor and further enhance the skills and capabilities of the CFD team.
Knowles is also a devoted family man, with seven children and a grandchild on the way. Balancing his professional responsibilities and family life, he is set to lead the Chattanooga Fire Department into a new chapter focused on excellence in emergency services and community safety.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga Fire Department
- Times Free Press
- Google Search: Terry Knowles Chattanooga
- NewsChannel 9
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Terry Knowles
- Chattanoogan
- Google News: Chattanooga Fire Department
- WDEF
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Fire Department
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
