CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga officially has a brand new fire chief.
Chief Terry Knowles was officially sworn in Thursday as the city’s 22nd fire chief.
He is succeeding former Chief Phil Hyman who retired earlier this year.
Chief Knowles was previously the assistant chief of special operations for the fire department, and has been with the Chattanooga Fire Department for 20 years.
He shared his excitement to take over this role.
Chief Knowles said, “As your chief it’s my first responsibility to take care of you. That means making sure you have the tools, the training, and the leadership you need to do the job well, and then to get home safe. It also means you are supported as people, not just firefighters. Because if you’re not okay, you won’t be able to give your best to this community.”
Chief Knowles is also a veteran as he served in the United States Navy.
