Battalion Chief David Thompson Jr. Retires After Long Career

Battalion Chief David Thompson Jr. is retiring after 26 years with the Chattanooga Fire Department! He has responded to thousands of calls and incidents, assisting so many citizens on their most challenging days. His compassion, dedication and leadership have certainly left a mark on our department. David was hired in 1996, but he’s been around the CFD his entire life since his father was a long-serving captain. David’s twin brothers, Robert and Jack, are also firefighters. He served eight years in the US Army Reserves as a combat medic and flight medic and then joined the CFD, working his way through the ranks. He’s been the battalion chief for District 2 Green Shift for the past five years, overseeing response in an area that spans north of Missionary Ridge to Ooltewah and managing crews from six different fire halls. On top of being in command of many large-scales incidents and fires, he’s also responded to tornadoes, wild fires and regional rescue operations. He’s someone who is always willing to help and a steadfast leader in the midst of very challenging, chaotic situations. David has three life-saving awards and a Medal of Merit. He served on the training committee for five years, the Honor Guard for 17 years (14 of those years as commander), the accident review/safety committee 16 years and he was hall coordinator for 12 years at Station 1. He’s also been the CFD Historian for three years and oversaw the creation of the department’s most comprehensive history book in honor of our 150th anniversary. He teaches the history of the CFD to the fire academy to make sure everyone know the department’s storied past. This father of four and grandfather of three is looking forward to spending more time with his family upon his retirement. He’s also going to be an instructor at TVA’s Emergency Response Training Center, teaching TVA employees in the areas of fire, rescue, EMS, hazmat and incident command. Thank you for your service and for all that you’ve done for the CFD over the years, BC Thompson!

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