Staff photo by Abby White / Chattanooga Fire Chief Terry Knowles, left, Director of Hamilton County office of Emergency Management Chris Adams, and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly speak prior to the press conference. Officials from Hamilton County, Chattanooga, and East Ridge held a press conference on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 in response to the recent severe flash flooding in the area. Staff photo by Abby White / Chattanooga Fire Chief Terry Knowles, left, Director of Hamilton County office of Emergency Management Chris Adams, and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly speak prior to the press conference. Officials from Hamilton County, Chattanooga, and East Ridge held a press conference on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 in response to the recent severe flash flooding in the area.
Terry Knowles, a 20-year veteran of the Chattanooga Fire Department, was sworn in Thursday as fire chief during a ceremony featuring fire-themed music, red and white stage lights and two standing ovations at the Walker Theatre.
The new chief was chosen from a pool of three finalists, all of whom had 20 or more years of experience with the Chattanooga Fire Department. Knowles replaced former Chief Philip Hyman, who retired in July.
The ceremony drew two standing ovations from the crowd, which included Knowles’ family, colleagues and city leaders.
In a nearly 20-minute speech, Knowles pledged to lead from the front, develop genuine relationships with the community and prioritize firefighter physical and mental health.
Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Surrounded by his family Aug. 28, 2025, Terry Knowles officially assumed his roll as chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department by taking the oath of office administered by Judge Sherry Pat, left, during a ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Terry Knowles’ wife, Brenda, puts his pins on his collars. Terry Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Chief Terry Knowles hugs Capt. Chadd Nichols. Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Retired Executive Deputy Chief and pastor Randy J. Jacks gives the invocation. Terry Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / The department color guard stands at attention as retired Capt. Randy Steele plays the national anthem on the banjo. Terry Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Mayor Tim Kelly speaks during the ceremony. Terry Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Terry Knowles receives a standing ovation after his swearing in. Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Senior Firefighter Mark Coffman tells an amusing story about Terry Knowles. Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Capt. Chadd Nichols makes the introduction of the new chief. Terry Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / Chief Terry Knowles delivers his inaugural remarks. Knowles officially became chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department on Aug. 28, 2025, during a swearing-in ceremony at Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre.
