City Recognizes Heroic Actions Following Fatal Apartment Fire

“These two individuals showed what true bravery looks like.” Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, Chief Operating Officer Ryan Ewalt, Fire Chief Phil Hyman, and Police Chief Celeste Murphy acknowledged CFD Operations Chief Rick Boatwright and Mr. Jimmy Franklin for their heroic actions on a recent fire scene. On the morning of August 31, 2022, there was a two-alarm fire at the Rustic Village North Apartments on Sunflower Lane. Chief Boatwright was first on the scene and reported heavy fire coming from the front of the building and started evacuating residents. Mr. Jimmy Franklin, who was staying with his brother at the time, also started knocking on doors and getting families out safely. He aided an injured woman over her balcony so she could get away from the flames. Fire companies arrived and began to attack the fire from the exterior. Firefighters then transitioned to the interior, aggressively attacking flames while also searching the two-story apartment building. Crews remained on scene for hours, checking for hot spots and extinguishing them. Nineteen families were displaced and received assistance from the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Chief Boatwright was treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation and later released. The woman who sustained burns was airlifted to a burn center for further treatment of her injuries. Sadly, Karen Elaine Russell, 67, passed away from her injuries and our thoughts remain with her loved ones. Many other lives were saved that day because of Mr. Franklin and Chief Boatwright’s actions, and due to the hard work of the Chattanooga fire units and other public safety agencies that responded.

“These men stepped up and ran into a burning building, risking their lives to ensure that every man, woman, and child made it out safely,” Mayor Kelly said during the recognition. “Their acts of bravery are a shining example of the extraordinary ways that Chattanoogans care for each other in times of crisis. Your calm and decisive action on the morning of August 31 saved lives, and it will continue to serve as an inspiration for all of us to live with courage and compassion, no matter the situation. This is a prime example of Chattanooga’s deep sense of compassion and community, so thank you.”

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