Retired Fire Chief Joe Knowles passes away at 93
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) has shared that Retired Fire Chief Joe Knowles has passed away at the age of 93.
Chief Knowles passed on April 20, 2026.
Chief Knowles became Chattanooga’s fire chief in 1976 during a period of growth and modernization and he served as chief until 1984.
CFD says he was critically injured in a wreck on his way to work and in a serendipitous turn of events, he was provided aid on the scene from a woman who had received training on basic life-saving techniques from Chief Knowles in the past. He was unconscious for 41 days following the accident, but after a long recovery, he returned to work before retiring.
They say the incident was featured on Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story,” which aired on over 1,200 ABC radio network stations and the American Forces Radio Network worldwide.
The Chattanooga Police & Fire Training Center on Amnicola Highway is dedicated to Chief Knowles. CFD says every police officer and firefighter who works for the city (both new and current) receives training at this facility.
“Joe Knowles comes from a family dedicated to public service and we are grateful for the leadership he provided as fire chief. We honor his dedication to moving the fire department forward and we hope his family knows that every firefighter and police officer carries on his legacy when they step through the doors of our training center.”
– Current Chattanooga Fire Chief Terry Knowles said.
