Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman set to retire in July

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga Fire Chief Phil Hyman is planning to retire in July, the department says.

Hyman has been with the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) for nearly 30 years.

He became chief in 2017, and has since made improvements in every level of the department.

Hyman said in a note that he’s proud of the dedication and effort everyone at CFD has contributed to the department.

“This department has seen a tremendous amount of positive change over the last several years and that is a testament to the passion each of you have for the service we provide. Please continue to support each other and strive to make the department better each day and support our mission of Leading, Serving and Training. Our community trusts the CFD to fulfill that mission and be the best we can be. Take ownership of the mission and continue to grow in your career because our community deserves the best from each of you. I love all of you and I love the Chattanooga Fire Department. This place will always hold a special place in my heart and has had a profound effect on me personally. Although I will miss you tremendously, all of you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.”

-Chief Phil Hyman

Mayor Tim Kelly released a statement about Hyman’s retirement, stating:

“Phil Hyman is not just a great fire chief, he’s a great person. The Chattanooga Fire Department is one of the very best in America thanks in large part to his thoughtful, inspirational leadership. Under Chief Hyman we’ve improved facilities, invested in higher pay, and transformed CFD recruiting to meet the needs of today’s workforce. We’ll be very sad to see him go when he retires in July, but he has laid the foundation for continued excellence at CFD for years to come.”

CFD says Hyman’s leadership, expertise, dedication and love of the fire service have made a huge impact and he will be greatly missed.