CFD Recognizes Responders For Harrison Bay Rescue

The Chattanooga Fire Department recognized a great group of first responders who saved a man’s life at Harrison Bay. On May 31, 2021 during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there was a citizen at the Harrison Bay State Park Marina who found himself in dire need of help. An elderly gentleman, while walking on the dock, ended up falling into Chickamauga Lake. He had a bad cut on his hand and was disoriented. If not for the quick reactions of Lt. Christopher Newby, who was off-duty at the time, the man could have been in serious danger of drowning. Lt. Newby was able to hold onto the distressed citizen while officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Hamilton County Sheriff's Office - TN Marine Patrol Division responded with proper flotation devices. They were able to pull the citizen out of the water. Once he was out of the water, Rangers with the Tennessee State Parks tended to his wounds until Hamilton County EMS arrived on the scene. “The quick actions of the officers and the off-duty Chattanooga fireman directly contributed to the saving of a citizen in peril,” TWRA officials stated.

Fire Chief Phil Hyman commended everyone involved in the incident for their teamwork and dedication to helping citizens. Thanks to Lt. Newby for stepping up to help someone in a scary situation and to all those who responded from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee State Parks, TWRA and HCEMS, including: Corporal Steven Gaffin (HCSO), Detective Rick Wolfe (HCSO), Park Manager Don Campbell (Tennessee State Parks), Ranger Matt Vawter (Tennessee State Parks), Wildlife Officer Andrew Weber (TWRA), Wildlife Officer Kendall Fletcher (TWRA), Wildlife Officer Jarrod Coxey (TWRA), Wildlife Officer David Holt (TWRA), Paramedic Michael Bates (HCEMS) and AEMT Tim Joyce (HCEMS).

“I was just in the right place at the right time. I noticed him and rushed over to help. He had a bad cut on his hand and he was disoriented. I did what any other off duty firefighter would have done in that situation. I’m just glad that he’s alright,” Lt. Newby stated.

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