KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A Knoxville firefighter who suffered a career-ending injury while on duty has been rejected again for Social Security disability.
Chris Patterson said he and his attorney were disappointed with the judge’s decision. For two years now, he has been seeking Social Security disability benefits. Patterson can’t fully function as a firefighter after breaking his back while on duty, but Social Security says he can work.
1 dead, 1 injured in shooting on Kentucky State University campus; suspect in custody: Police
Patterson has a keen understanding and respect for fire. As a former firefighter for nearly 30 years, he stands a safe distance as he stokes the fire at his father’s home in Union County. He became a firefighter at 20 in Michigan and left the Knoxville Fire Department as a captain when he was medically retired on December 31, 2023, after breaking his back while on duty.
While he receives a disability pension of half pay from the Knoxville Fire Department, he’s been battling the federal government for two years for Social Security disability benefits…