Veteran CFD Captain Passes Away

The men and women of the Chattanooga Fire Department are mourning the loss of one of our own. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Captain Tom Montgomery, a 25-year veteran of the department. Captain Montgomery, 51, passed away Friday night (9/8/23) and his death has left our firefighters holding tight to memories of him at the fire halls and out on calls working together. Tom came to us on October 15, 1997 from the Public Works Division. He served in our Supply Division before being assigned to the Training Division as a new recruit and then became a sworn firefighter. He brought many skills to the table from his outdoor background that made him an asset on our Hazardous Materials Team and our Urban Search and Rescue Team. He had an illustrious career and worked his way through the ranks, becoming a captain in 2008. He continued to provide leadership in that role throughout the rest of his career. He worked on engines, ladders and squads and had a wealth of experience on each of those apparatus. At the end of his career, he served North Chattanooga as a captain on Engine 12 Blue Shift. His personal and professional contributions to the department and the community will be greatly missed. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones and his extended CFD family during this time. Funeral arrangements will be private at the request of Tom’s family. Counseling services are being provided for firefighters.

This moving poem was written about Captain Montgomery by his coworker and friend, Captain John Long (Quint 14 Blue Shift):
“I hope you find big water and fish on the fire other side, Tom.
In the heart of the mountains, where the wild rivers flow,
Lived Tom, with a spirit that always did glow.
Adventures he sought, with friends by his side,
Creek boating, and camping, with nature as his guide.
In his cabin of logs, perched high on the peak,
He found solace and joy, the quiet he'd seek.
But in bustling town, or deep forest glen,
With skillet or pot, he'd cook now and then.
Rod in hand the Crappie he’d land, catching his fill for a tasty meal
Fish tacos he’d make for his friends’ delight,
Stomachs full on a summer’s night.
On every call, amidst the fray,
Tom stood calm, come what may.
Where chaos roared and flames showing, guiding the fight with water flowing.
So here's to dear Tom, and the life that he led,
To the memories shared, and the tears that we shed.
His spirit remains, in the breeze and the stream,
Forever in our hearts, he will always be.”

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