Stroke survivor reunites with Chattanooga first responders who helped save her life after emergency brain surgery
Chattanooga, TN – In an emotional reunion at Chattanooga Fire Department Station 21, Bonnie MacDonald stood side by side with the first responders who helped save her life just months earlier. MacDonald, an educator at Lookout Valley Elementary, suffered a major stroke in February that affected the speech center of her brain. Quick action from emergency dispatchers, firefighters, and paramedics made all the difference in her recovery.
The life-threatening medical event required immediate transport to the hospital, where MacDonald underwent emergency brain surgery. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Hamilton County EMS, Hamilton County 911 Emergency Communications District, and the Chattanooga Fire Department, she survived—and has since made a remarkable recovery.
MacDonald returned to thank the team in person, accompanied by her sister, Lorrie MacDonald, a supervisor at Hamilton County 911. The visit brought together dispatchers, paramedics, and firefighters who had worked behind the scenes and on the front lines of her emergency.
“This was a special reunion,” said a spokesperson from the Chattanooga Fire Department. “We are in the business of helping people, but we don’t always get to follow up with them after the fact. Seeing Bonnie’s recovery firsthand was incredibly meaningful for all involved.”
Among those recognized at the reunion were Senior Firefighter Ethan Shamblin (Engine 21, Blue Shift), AEMT Jared Hartley, Paramedic Josh Allen, Telecommunicator Senior Cheyenne Bedell, and Telecommunicator Peytun Pugh.
Now back at work in the classroom, MacDonald expressed deep gratitude to the team that helped save her life. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact and importance of emergency responders—and the lives they touch every day.