Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Fire Department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team was awarded accreditation from the State of Tennessee following their response to recent severe flooding events. Patrick Sheehan, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), presented the certificate to the team Tuesday morning at the Chattanooga Police & Fire Training Center.
The 26-member team has spent years training, equipping, and preparing for specialized water rescues. Their efforts have already proven critical in life-saving operations, making them a deployable asset with the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association and now with the state of Tennessee.
In June, the team assisted in a flash flood incident at the Pocket Wilderness hiking area, rescuing 56 people trapped across a creek. On August 12, 2025, they were deployed during severe flash flooding in eastern parts of Chattanooga, rescuing motorists from submerged vehicles and stranded residents from flooded areas. The team also conducted thorough searches of affected areas to ensure no one was left behind…