10-06-14 Chattanooga Kicks Off Fire Prevention Week with Ceremonies

- Deputy Fire Marshal Seth Miller kicked off Fire Prevention Week, which marks a series of public education events at area schools to teach children about fire safety.

- Stan Russell with the Hamilton Place Rotary Club announced that Captain Ashley May and Lieutenant Alex Cole were selected as this year's Firefighter of the Year. On August 5, 2014, these firefighters and others responded to an early morning fire at a duplex at 2103 Daisy Street. With the entire front part of the duplex engulfed in flames, Captain May and Lt. Cole made their way inside to look for victims. At the rear of the B side of the duplex, they found a man lying on the floor. The two firefighters carried the victim out of the apartment, where he was treated on the scene and later at a hospital. The victim survived, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of these two firefighters.

- Fire Chief Lamar Flint also presented life saving medals to Captain May and Lt. Cole.

- At the Firefighter's Memorial Fountain next to the county courthouse, under a pouring rain, Deputy Fire Marshal Seth Miller and Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke led a brief ceremony to recognize those firefighters who have passed away over the past year. Bagpipe music was provided by Alhambra Shrine Highlander Pipes and Drums.

In the photos:

# Firefighters ofTheYear (left to right) – Fire Chief Lamar Flint, Stan Russell with Hamilton Place Rotary Club, Firefighter of the Year Captain Ashley May and Deputy Fire Marshal Seth Miller. The other honoree, Lt. Alex Cole, was unable to attend the event.

# Mayor Berke at Fireman's Fountain – Mayor Andy Berke joined the firefighters in the pouring rain at the Fireman's Fountain to honor those who have passed away over the past year, and to thank firefighters and other first responders for their service to the community.

# HighlanderPipes and Drums – Members of the Alhambra Shrine Highlander Pipes and Drums also braved the rain to performed Amazing Grace at the Fireman's Fountain.