Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Fire Department is urging residents to vote in favor of an ordinance change that would amend the city’s charter to allow the hiring of firefighters and police officers from adjoining states. The measure will appear on the ballot for the March 4 election, with early voting beginning on February 12.
Captain Damien Vinson, the department’s community outreach and recruitment coordinator, emphasized that the current residency rule significantly impacts recruitment efforts. While first responders can commute from cities like Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville, they cannot live just minutes away in Rossville, Georgia, or nearby Alabama communities.
Vinson stated that both the Chattanooga Fire and Police Departments are struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels, with the fire department expecting 150 of its 437 firefighters to be eligible for retirement within the next five years. Expanding hiring eligibility to nearby states, he explained, would increase the applicant pool without compromising hiring standards.
Supporters of the amendment argue that many individuals living in the surrounding area already contribute to Chattanooga’s economy and community but are currently barred from serving as first responders due to residency restrictions. The referendum, if approved, would allow certified professionals from neighboring states to apply, helping to address staffing shortages while maintaining service quality.
The Chattanooga Fire Department is encouraging voters to support the amendment, emphasizing that it would strengthen public safety while continuing to prioritize local recruitment efforts.