The Chattanooga Fire Department is reinforcing its long-standing commitment to proactive public safety with the formal establishment of its new Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division.
While the department has provided fire prevention education, outreach initiatives, and safety programs for many years, the creation of this dedicated division marks a pivotal step in coordinating and expanding these vital services under a unified, data-driven strategy.
The CRR Division aims to identify community-specific risks and implement programs designed to prevent emergencies before they ever happen. By examining local data and trends, the team will address unique community needs through public education, smoke alarm initiatives, fall prevention for older adults, youth outreach, disaster preparedness, and targeted safety campaigns.
The division’s launch reflects a growing nationwide emphasis within the fire service on prevention-focused strategies that improve overall quality of life, reduce injuries, and enhance neighborhood resilience.
Fire department leadership emphasizes that the team will work hand-in-hand with schools, neighborhood associations, healthcare providers, local businesses, and public safety agencies to build a stronger safety net across Chattanooga.
“Community risk reduction is about meeting people where they are and helping prevent emergencies before they occur,” said Lt. Jumaane Lanier, CFD’s Fire and Life Safety Educator. “This work has always been part of our mission, but formalizing this team allows us to be even more intentional, collaborative, and effective in serving our community.”
As part of its official launch, the CRR Division is immediately putting its mission into action. The division’s first official community project is an Elder Care Drive focused on collecting essential household items for older adults and vulnerable residents.
All 20 Chattanooga fire stations served as neighborhood drop-off points for items like toilet paper, trash bags, bar soap, paper towels, and laundry detergent pods, with the donation drive running through June 8.
The shift toward structured risk reduction represents an evolving philosophy on the modern role of first responders, focusing just as heavily on proactive mitigation as emergency response.
“Fire departments today do far more than respond to emergencies,” said Captain Damien Vinson, Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator. “By investing in prevention and community partnerships, we can help create a safer community for everyone.”
To follow the division’s ongoing work and stay updated on upcoming safety programs, connect with them on social media at @ChattFireCRR.
Residents can request smoke alarms by calling the Chattanooga Fire Department directly at (423) 643-5600 during regular business hours, or by visiting the Fire Administration building at 910 Wisdom Street.