Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Service

08/16/2026

This weekend the CHCRS Cave/Cliff/Technical Unit participated in a mock cave rescue at Head of the Crow State Park.

The scenario involved a patient staged deep inside the cave with simulated injuries requiring treatment and evacuation. Throughout the exercise, rescuers worked as initial response, communications, bolting and rigging, and evacuation/carryout teams. A full command post and incident command structure were also established to coordinate the operation.

The exercise gave rescuers from across the region an opportunity to work together while also helping pre-plan for a real cave rescue response at Head of the Crow.

Thank you to Tennessee State Parks for hosting this event. Other agencies that participated were:

Sewanee TN Volunteer Fire Department
Huntsville Cave Rescue Unit, Inc.
Walker County Fire Rescue Cave/Cliff
Crow Creek Fire Department
Tennessee Fire Chaplains

08/14/2026

Last night, the Cave/Cliff/Technical Unit trained on pike and pivot techniques and horizontal low-edge transitions during our regular monthly training.

These fundamental skills are especially important in backcountry rescue environments where natural or artificial high directionals may be unavailable or impractical. Members worked through each evolution while also focusing on clear command and control throughout the operation.

In addition, we want to thank the Lula Lake Land Trust for allowing us to use their property for this training session.

08/06/2026

After nearly 30 years of dedicated volunteer service, Deputy Chief Brad Tipton is retiring from the Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Service (CHCRS).

Since joining CHCRS in 1997, Brad has devoted countless hours to serving his community and advancing the field of cave rescue. During his time as Captain of the Cave/Cliff/Technical Unit and later as Deputy Chief, he helped lead rescuers through some of the most difficult, technical, and unforgiving environments imaginable.

Brad’s contributions extend far beyond the incidents to which he responded. He helped to strengthen CHCRS through his technical expertise, sound judgment, commitment to safety, and unwavering belief in precision and professionalism. He has also been a strong advocate for cave safety and preparedness, sharing his experience to help members of the public explore our region’s caves more responsibly.

Perhaps Brad’s greatest legacy is found in the people he mentored and prepared to lead after him. He consistently demonstrated that leadership is not about position or recognition, it is about service, responsibility, and doing what is best for the team and the people it serves. The standards he helped establish will remain part of CHCRS for many years to come.

Brad and his wife, Wendy (also a long time member), will soon begin a new chapter in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While his retirement leaves a significant void, the knowledge he shared, the rescuers he mentored, and the example he set will continue to guide our organization.

Brad, thank you for nearly three decades of sacrifice, friendship, leadership, and service. It has been an honor to serve alongside you, and you will always be an important part of the history, legacy, and family of the Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Service.

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Chief Brad Tipton on his retirement and wishing Brad and Wendy all the best in their next chapter.

07/23/2026

Yesterday, our members participated in a Petzl Technical Workshop hosted and organized by the Chattanooga Fire Department and the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association.

The workshop brought together rescuers from several TSMA partner agencies to strengthen technical rescue skills, share knowledge, and enhance regional interoperability.

A special thank you to Chief Thompson of the Chattanooga Fire Department for coordinating this training opportunity.

07/13/2026

This past weekend, CHCRS members had the privilege of instructing a 16-hour Cave Rescue Awareness course hosted by Sparta-White County Rescue.

Participants from Sparta Rescue Squad, Putnam County Rescue Squad, Putnam County EMA, White County EMS, Tennessee State Parks, Doyle Volunteer Fire Department, and Central View Volunteer Fire Department - Walling/Quebeck/Mt. Gilead came together to learn the fundamentals of cave rescue.

The course covered topics including litter handling, cave communications, the cave environment, and the different challenges associated with cave rescue operations.

Training alongside partner agencies strengthens our regional response capabilities and builds relationships that are invaluable when real incidents occur. CHCRS extends our sincere thanks to Sparta-White County Rescue for hosting the course and to Tennessee State Parks for their support throughout the weekend.

07/10/2026

The Cave/Cliff/Technical Unit held its regular monthly training, at Signal Point Park, last night alongside partners from the Signal Mountain Fire Department.

Rescuers were challenged with several different scenarios involving both high-angle rope rescue over difficult terrain and low angle carryout's on established trails.

Trainings like this help strengthen inter-agency coordination and pre-planning for when it matters most. Thank you to SMFD for participating and we look forward to the next opportunity to train together.

07/10/2026

07/05/2026

The CHCRS Support Services Unit is currently providing Rehab to firefighting crews on this scene. Please stay clear of the area as this is an active scene.

07/04/2026

The Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Service wishes you a safe and Happy Fourth of July!! We hope you enjoy your time with family and friends as you celebrate America's 250th birthday.

Thank you for your continued support of CHCRS and for allowing us to serve our community.

06/27/2026

Today, members took part in the driving portion of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC).

This yearly training is required for all members to operate CHCRS vehicles. The training helps ensure that operators know how to operate each apparatus in a safe manner.

Thank you to JP Durham of the Signal Mountain Fire Department for instructing this class and thank you to the Chattanooga Fire Department for allowing us to use their training facility.