2026 is Rural Metro Fire’s 49th year in Knox County. In effect, it serves as the county’s fire department for fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. It is the state’s 5th-largest fire agency, with 176 personnel spread across 17 stations. Lots of history.
And to that long and proud history, you can now include Deanna Lynn Sanderson Clift’s name. On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 3:42 p.m., she says, making note of the time, she became Capt. Deanna Clift, Rural Metro’s first-ever woman promoted to the position of fire officer captain. And she’s only 30, a hard-working single mother to two little girls.
The new captain today commands the Red shift at Station 10 on Parkside Drive. Her Rural Metro career began in 2018, and in early 2025, she was promoted to Lieutenant.
“This is a big thing that’s happened to me, and I’m very honored to be a captain, and the first female in this role. It makes it so special for me. I was more shocked than anything that I was the one chosen to promote. I can’t get over this. I did it!” she says. “I’ve taken on a lot in a short period of time, and I had to meet the standards for the job just like everyone else. I’ve worked hard. But I still can’t believe I’m a Captain. I’m very honored.”…