Mayor Andy Berke has selected veteran fireman Phil Hyman to lead the Chattanooga Fire Department. If the Chattanooga City Council approves the appointment, the new chief will bring 22 years of service to the position.
“Phil is well respected by the men and women of the Chattanooga Fire Department,” Berke says. “With his decades of service and knowledge of every level of the department, he will lead our firefighters to do their best work in keeping Chattanooga safe and improving the lives of everyone in our community.”
A graduate of Chattanooga State, Hyman rose through the ranks of the Chattanooga Fire Department, serving as a lieutenant, captain and battalion chief. His tenure has included directing four fire academies resulting in 85 hires, creating a professional development program, enhancing training and increasing certifications for the department.
“Leading our fire department is an exciting yet challenging task. However, I’m confident in the skills and abilities of the firefighters that serve the citizens of our community,” Hyman says. “As with any organization, the people are what makes it the best it can be.”
Hyman is Chattanooga native. He and his wife, Lisa, have a son, Mason, and a daughter, Ansley.
Hyman steps into the role formerly held by Chief Chris Adams, who retired at the end of September. The Chattanooga City Council is expected to review the mayor’s appointment of Hyman as Chattanooga fire chief in the coming weeks.
Source: Office of the Mayor