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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Knowles named Chattanooga Fire Department chief

Chattanooga / Assistant Fire Chief Special Operations Terry Knowles has been named the new chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department
Chattanooga / Assistant Fire Chief Special Operations Terry Knowles has been named the new chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department Chattanooga / Assistant Fire Chief Special Operations Terry Knowles has been named the new chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department

Terry Knowles has been selected as the next chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department, Mayor Tim Kelly announced Wednesday.

Knowles, who has served as the department’s assistant chief of special operations since 2022, will replace retiring Chief Phil Hyman. Hyman in May announced he would step down in July.

“The Chattanooga Fire Department is one of the very best in America,” Kelly said in a press release. “We had a very competitive pool of internal applicants for this post and appreciate the knowledge and skill set Terry Knowles brings to this role. I know he will pick up where Phil Hyman left off.”

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Knowles’ appointment will go to the Chattanooga City Council for confirmation.