Honoring Firefighters to kick-off Fire Prevention Week

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF-TV) Fire Prevention Week Kicked off Monday, and the Chattanooga Fire Department will do a fire safety campaign that has them working with Smoke Alarms trying to save as many lives and homes as possible.

Monday they took the time to honor Firefighters who spend their lives trying to save you and your home.

"We all go and do a job that we’re proud that we have,’ said Co-Firefighter of the Year recipient Ashley May.

Captain Ashley May is one of two firefighters who were selected for the award. It was because of what he did the morning of August 5, 2014.

Captain May and his partner were dispatched to this duplex on Daisy Street for a fire, but they saved a 65-year-old man from the flames.

Captain May said he is honored for the award, but he did not need it.

"None of us look for the limelight, I can promise you that."

He said it is something they all do, and adds this is more of a departmental award rather than an individual one.

"It’s like I’ve told other people, I want to share it with everybody,” said Captain May. “All 300 and something firemen we have, all the men and women.”

Fire Prevention Week continued as they honored fallen Firefighters.

"This morning we recognize their service to the community and pledge that sacrifice and pledge it will not be forgotten,” said Fire Marshal Seth Miller.

Captain May is one of the lucky Firefighters. A group of Firefighters along with Mayor Andy Berke stood in the rain at the Firefighter’s Memorial Fountain to recognize those who passed away over the past year.

"The Chattanooga Fire Department’s honor guards will now present a wreath to honor those fallen firefighters,” said Marshal Miller.

This year the "Alhambra Shrine Highlander Pipes and Drums" were given the honor to close out the ceremony.