Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Fire Department is taking a significant step toward enhancing its emergency response capabilities as its newly formed Swiftwater Rescue Team undergoes evaluation for state accreditation.
On Wednesday, the team participated in an intensive drill as part of the accreditation process through the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). The exercise, held in Chattanooga, was designed to test the team’s readiness to respond to water-related emergencies, particularly in fast-moving and hazardous floodwaters.
Accreditation by the State of Tennessee would formally recognize the team as a certified response unit, enabling it to deploy to swiftwater incidents both locally and across the state. The designation is a key milestone in the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its specialized rescue operations.
During the drill, firefighters demonstrated critical techniques including victim retrieval, equipment deployment, and coordinated response procedures under realistic conditions. The evaluation is intended to ensure that all team members meet rigorous standards of training, safety, and operational efficiency.
Officials from TEMA were on site to observe and assess the team’s performance. Their feedback will contribute to the final determination of whether the team earns official accreditation status.
City and state officials have emphasized the growing importance of swiftwater rescue capabilities as climate change increases the frequency and severity of flooding events in Tennessee and across the region.
The Chattanooga Fire Department expressed pride in the team’s progress and commitment to public safety. Department leaders say the accreditation process not only strengthens internal preparedness but also builds trust with the community.
If approved, the Swiftwater Rescue Team would be among the elite emergency response units qualified to handle some of the most dangerous and unpredictable rescue scenarios in the field.