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When disasters happen in Hamilton County, chances are an Ingle is on the way

Staff file photo by Mason Edwards / A Hamilton County Special Tactics and Rescue Services boat searches the Tennessee River near the Market Street Bridge on Sept. 25, 2025, after reports of a person jumping from the bridge.
Staff file photo by Mason Edwards / A Hamilton County Special Tactics and Rescue Services boat searches the Tennessee River near the Market Street Bridge on Sept. 25, 2025, after reports of a person jumping from the bridge. Staff file photo by Mason Edwards / A Hamilton County Special Tactics and Rescue Services boat searches the Tennessee River near the Market Street Bridge on Sept. 25, 2025, after reports of a person jumping from the bridge.

Whether they’re looking for a lost caver or missing child, when first responders ask for backup across Hamilton County’s tapestry of town streets, rural pockets of mountainous wilderness and winding river banks, the call often sends an Ingle to the scene.

The Ingle family’s story has been intertwined with the Hamilton County Special Tactics and Rescue Services team for decades. Four blood relatives now serve on the volunteer team, which supplements police, fire and emergency medical services on some of the county’s most demanding incidents.

Throughout the rescue agency’s history, from its longtime leaders to the team’s first death on a call, Ingles have made volunteerism and search-and-rescue part of their family’s identity.

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SERVICE, FAMILY