Red Bank Fire Department: A Legacy of ServiceHow the Changing Face of Firefighting Has Affected Staffing, Safety, and Our Community “Every second matters—and so does every firefighter.” Since its establishment in 1971, the Red Bank Fire Department (RBFD) has stood as a steady guardian of life and property in our city. What began as a modest group of volunteers and part-time staff has grown into a modern department staffed by trained professionals. Yet, despite significant advances in equipment, training, and emergency response standards, one reality has remained stubbornly unchanged for over 50 years: on-duty staffing. While today’s fires burn hotter and faster than those of the past, RBFD’s daily staffing levels are nearly identical to what they were in the early 1990s. This creates serious challenges for firefighter safety, response effectiveness, and the protection of our community. This report examines the evolution of the Red Bank Fire Department, the changing science of fire behavior, and the urgent need to align staffing with modern realities. _____________________________________________ A Brief History of Staffing The Beginning: Subscription Service to City Department Before 1971, fire protection in Red Bank was not a municipal function. Coverage was provided through a subscription service operated by a private individual. Residents paid in to receive protection, but this left gaps in reliability and raised concerns about fairness and coverage. Recognizing the growing need for dependable, city-backed protection, the Red Bank City Commission formally created the Red Bank Fire Department in 1971. The department began with two small engines, a firehouse built largely by volunteers from the Red Bank Jaycees, and a small roster of dedicated community members. Staffing in the Early 1970s From the outset, RBFD was a combination department, blending paid members with volunteers. The basic structure in 1971 included: - Two firefighters on duty 24 hours a day (covered through a mix of paid and volunteer shifts).
- Volunteers required to sign up for night coverage.
This model was common in small American cities at the time. Neighbors often worked day jobs and then took overnight firehouse shifts to ensure the community had coverage. By 1972–73, limited budget funding was approved to add part-time paid members to night shifts. This did not expand staffing—it only formalized pay for coverage already being provided. By 1975, staffing looked like this: - One full-time firefighter (dayshift, Monday–Friday).
- One part-time firefighter (dayshift, Monday–Friday).
- One part-time firefighter (48 hours on weekends).
- Volunteers covering all other nights and gaps.
The bottom line: only two members—paid or volunteer—were on duty at any given time. _____________________________________________ Growth in the Late 1970s and Early 1980s In 1978, the fire department received an ambulance and began providing emergency medical response, staffed entirely by volunteers. By 1980, the budget supported a full-time Fire Marshal, increasing weekday daytime staffing to three. In 1981, Station 2 was opened. Staffing was spread thin: - Station 1: full-time coverage during weekdays, part-time coverage at night, and full part-time on weekends.
- Station 2: one full-time firefighter and the Fire Marshal during weekdays; no coverage on nights or weekends unless volunteers signed up.
Even the Fire Marshal was expected to perform inspections and investigations while also riding the engine or ambulance when calls came in. By the mid-1980s, one part-time night shift was added at Station 2, but overall daily staffing never rose above two per station.
|
|
|
|
_____________________________________________ The 1990s: A Turning Point A major change came in 1991, when Hamilton County EMS assumed responsibility for ambulance transport. This relieved RBFD of ambulance duties but underscored the department’s need to focus on fire suppression and emergency response. At that time, staffing included: - Two paid members at Station 1 (24/7).
- Two paid members at Station 2 (24/7).
- One additional member at Station 1 for day shift.
This brought daily staffing to roughly 4.5 members per shift (a mix of full-time and part-time). In 1989, the city also hired its first full-time Fire Chief, replacing the previous volunteer chiefs. The Chief continued riding apparatus until 2001, reflecting how thin staffing remained. _____________________________________________ 2000s: Professionalization but Flat Staffing In 2001, three full-time members were added, and the Chief and Deputy Fire Marshal moved into administrative roles, freeing up operational staff. This brought the department to six full-time members working 24-hour rotations, supplemented by part-time firefighters. By 2005, as volunteerism declined nationwide, two additional full-time members were added, but the total number of on-duty staff remained unchanged: - Daytime shifts: 5–6 firefighters.
- Night shifts: 4 firefighters.
From 2007–2010, staffing dipped back to 5 during the day and 4 at night. _____________________________________________ 2017–2025: Holding the Line In 2017, the City Commission funded four new full-time positions, ensuring a minimum of five firefighters per shift. In 2023, more part-time funding was approved to guarantee that number 24/7. Today, in 2025, staffing looks like this: - Station 1: 2 full-time firefighters.
- Station 2: 2 full-time firefighters.
- Part-time firefighters’ manning the rescue truck 24/7
That makes five firefighters on duty per shift—the same number as in 1991. _____________________________________________ The Changing Nature of Fire While staffing has remained static, fire itself has changed dramatically. Faster Fire Growth - 1970s: Flashover took 15–20 minutes.
- Today: Flashover can occur in 3–5 minutes.
Construction Methods - Heavy lumber of older homes provided resilience.
- Modern lightweight trusses and engineered lumber fail within minutes under fire conditions.
Fuel Sources - Past: natural materials (wool, cotton, wood).
- Today: plastics and synthetics that burn hotter and release toxic smoke.
Home Design - Compartmentalized floor plans slowed fire spread.
- Open-concept layouts allow flames and smoke to move rapidly.
These changes mean that firefighters have less time to respond and more danger to face once inside. _____________________________________________ Fire Growth Timeline (Modern Fire Behavior) - 0:00 – Ignition
- 1:30 – Room fills with smoke and heat
- 3:00 – Flashover likely
- 5:00+ – Structural collapse possible
The window for rescue and suppression is dangerously narrow. Without adequate staffing, opportunities are lost in minutes. _____________________________________________ How Many Firefighters Are Needed? According to NFPA 1710, the nationally recognized standard for career departments: - 15 firefighters are required on scene to safely and effectively fight a single-family dwelling fire.
This number supports simultaneous execution of critical tasks: - Search and rescue
- Fire attack
- Ventilation
- Pump operations and water supply
- Rapid intervention (rescuing trapped firefighters)
With only five firefighters on initial response, RBFD cannot meet these demands without waiting for mutual aid—losing precious minutes when seconds matter. _____________________________________________ The Volunteer Decline One of the greatest shifts since RBFD’s founding is the decline of volunteer firefighters. Nationwide trends show fewer citizens able to commit the time for training and overnight shifts, largely due to modern job demands and family responsibilities. What was once a cornerstone of small-town fire service has become increasingly unsustainable. Red Bank has gradually filled the gap with more full-time positions, but total on-duty staffing has not increased in proportion to the risks faced. _____________________________________________ The Path Forward The fire service has evolved, and so must we. In 2023 budget hearings, RBFD leadership presented a plan to increase staffing to 7.5 firefighters per shift with minimal cost to taxpayers. This modest increase would significantly improve firefighter safety and community protection. The argument is simple: - Fires are faster, hotter, and more dangerous than ever.
- Modern homes and materials reduce the margin for error.
- NFPA standards show RBFD is under-resourced at fire scenes.
- Staffing has not grown in over 30 years.
To ensure RBFD can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, staffing levels must increase. _____________________________________________ Conclusion: A Call to Action From its humble beginnings as a subscription service to today’s professional department, the Red Bank Fire Department has always answered the alarm. Its men and women have adapted, sacrificed, and stood ready to protect the community. But they cannot do it alone. The fire environment has changed. Fires that once took 20 minutes to consume a home now do so in less than five. Volunteerism that once sustained departments has declined. And staffing that was adequate in 1991 is dangerously outdated in 2025. If Red Bank is to remain safe, if lives and property are to be preserved, and if firefighters are to come home safely from every call, the city must act. It is past time to match resources with reality. The citizens of Red Bank deserve a fire department equipped not for the past, but for the present—and the future.
_______________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
|
Join us at Red Bank City Park on Thursday, October 3rd from 5:30–8:30 PM for an evening of great food and live music with Blake Worthington. Enjoy bites from: -Culture-Licious -Chubby Vegan -The Bistro -Windy City Eatz -Desserts on the Roll -Street Quesadilla -Clever Alehouse ___________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
|
Pumpkins for Pigs is back this fall! Don’t toss your pumpkins after Halloween or Thanksgiving—help us recycle them for a great cause! Whole and carved pumpkins (even those used with candles) can be dropped off at the Red Bank Recycle Center (4857 Dayton Blvd). October 31st – November 8th November 29th – December 6th Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Painted pumpkins and those that are completely rotten cannot be accepted. Let’s put those pumpkins to good use this season, we are excited to partner with The Gentry Homestead again! |
|
|
|
_______________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
|
Fire Prevention Week 2025 in Red Bank“Charge Into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” Each October, Red Bank joins communities across the nation in recognizing Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This year, from October 5–11, 2025, the theme is: “Charge Into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” Lithium-ion batteries power the devices we use every day—smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, power tools, and more. While these batteries make life convenient, they can also pose a serious fire risk if not handled safely. What This Means for Red Bank Residents The Red Bank Fire Department is committed to protecting our community not only by responding to emergencies, but also by helping prevent them before they start. By sharing the NFPA’s 2025 theme, we hope to raise awareness about battery safety and give every family the tools to stay safe. https://www.nfpa.org/en/events/fire-prevention-week/charge-into-fire-safety-tip-sheet NFPA’s Three Key Safety Steps - Buy Safely – Choose devices and batteries that are tested and listed by a qualified safety laboratory (such as UL or ETL).
- Charge Safely – Always use the manufacturer’s charger, never charge on beds, couches, or near items that can burn, and unplug devices once fully charged.
- Recycle Responsibly – Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Take them to an approved recycling or hazardous waste collection site. Here are a few centers in Hamilton County:
- City of Chattanooga Household Hazardous Waste Facility 4063 North Hawthorne Street Chattanooga Tn.
- Home Depot 1944 Northpoint Blvd. Hixson Tn.
- Lowes 5428 Hwy 153 Hixson Tn.
- Chattanooga Electric Bike Co. 1404 McCallie Ave, Suite 102 Chattanooga Tn.
- REI 2507 Lifestyle Way Chattanooga Tn.
Safety Starts at Home - Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near areas where batteries are charged (like garages or workshops).
- Have a home fire escape plan and practice it twice a year.
Community Connection Throughout October, the Red Bank Fire Department will share additional fire prevention resources, demonstrations, and battery safety reminders. Look for infographics on our City’s Facebook page. Call to Action Check Your Batteries and Chargers Today! Take a moment to inspect all chargers and batteries in your home. Replace damaged cords, stop using knock-off batteries, and make sure you’re charging on a safe, solid surface. ________________________________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
Red Bank Police Department: Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a time for communities to come together—survivors, families, advocates, allies, and leaders alike—to take a stand against domestic violence. It’s an opportunity to show support, raise awareness, and create space for survivors to share their experiences. By joining voices during October, we shine a brighter light on this issue and move closer to building a world free from abuse. Ending domestic violence takes all of us, working together. What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence—sometimes called relationship abuse or intimate partner violence—is a repeated pattern of behaviors used by one person to gain or maintain control over their partner. Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship May Include: - Using hurtful, threatening, or demeaning language.
- Cutting you off from friends, family, or support systems.
- Controlling household finances.
- Using technology to track or monitor your activities.
- Humiliating you, especially in front of others.
Living with abuse is painful and overwhelming, but no one has to face it alone. Support is always available—free, confidential, and around the clock. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text “START” to 88788 Chat at thehotline.org Domestic violence is often hidden, but these statistics reveal a harsh reality. This issue touches far more lives than many realize. - An average of 24 people per minute of victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the US- more than 12 million men and women over the course of one year.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
- The most common stalking tactic experienced by both male and female victims of stalking was repeated unwanted phone calls, voice or text messages.
- 30% to 60% of intimate partner violence perpetrators also abuse children in the household.
https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics/ (do a click here thing) Visit thehotline.org to view more statistics, identify abuse, plan for safety, and learn how to support others. __________________________________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did Somebody say Pickleball Tournament?!The City of Red Bank is pleased to announce that during the current fiscal year (July 2025 – June 2026), we will allow up to 4 pickleball tournaments at the Red Bank City Park courts as a trail. This is a limited opportunity, and tournaments will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis, please note that a completed application does not guarantee a permit. All events require staff review, City approval, and full payment before a date is secured. Highlights: - Up to 2 consecutive days per tournament
- Only 4 events total for the year
- Six outdoor courts available, plus adjacent green space and stage
- City promotion support, as space allows
Location: Red Bank City Park, 3817 Redding Road
Tournament dates must be reviewed and approved by City staff All applicants are required to carefully read the Pickleball Tournament Agreement & Policy in the permit application before submitting. Applications are open now! Apply online at https://redbanktn.portal.iworq.net/REDBANK/new-permit/600/10708. _____________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
Seasonal Burning Begins October 1,2025 Burn Permit Applications Now Available.
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau is currently accepting applications for seasonal burn permits. A valid permit allows residents to burn brush and vegetation from their property from October 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026. Residents can apply: • Online: apcb.org • In person: CBL Center II, 2034 Hamilton Place Blvd., Suite 300, Chattanooga, TN 37421 • By phone: Call (423) 643-5970 to request a mailed application Permit Fees: • Inside city limits (Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Ridge, Red Bank, Ridgeside): $60 fee and an inspection by a Bureau Investigator • All other Hamilton County areas: $10 fee (inspection may be required) “We urge citizens to exercise caution when burning and follow all seasonal burning regulations,” said Ron Drumeller, Executive Director of the Air Pollution Control Bureau. The seasonal burn ban, established in 2005 under the Early Action Compact initiative, helps Hamilton County meet federal air quality health standards. Restricting open burning has proven effective in improving local air quality and encourages alternatives such as chipping, composting, and recycling. For more information, call the Air Pollution Control Bureau at (423) 643-5970 or visit apcb.org. _________________________________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
_________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
|
Active Older Adults Our Active Older Adults (AOA) program had a full and fun September! Participants enjoyed four different art classes, including a special visit from Scenic City Clay Arts. Bingo was also a hit, with eight lucky winners taking home prizes like chicken socks, an AeroGarden indoor garden, funny glasses, a puzzle, and puzzle books! Looking ahead, October is packed with opportunities to stay active, creative, and social — from Qi Gong and chair yoga to guided exercise, card games, music jams, and themed art classes. Best of all, all classes are free! 👉 Interested in joining? Register today at redbanktn.recdesk.com. ________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
|
The 2025 Red Bank Christmas Parade & Festival is right around the corner — happening Saturday, December 13, 2025! We are now accepting vendor applications for this festive community event. Applications will be accepted until spaces are filled or by November 7th, whichever comes first. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Red Bank’s most beloved holiday traditions!
Apply HERE to be a vendor. __________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
|
The Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and the Chattanooga Public Library’s 4th Floor present Culture on 4: A Conversation with Megan Ledbetter & Tom Lee. Culture on 4 introduces you to the world of arts, culture and entertainment. Featuring intimate conversations with talented artists, writers and performers, Culture on 4 will inspire anyone looking to start or expand a career in arts, culture and entertainment. On Saturday, October 4, join us for a conversation between artist and educator Megan Ledbetter and Emmy award-winning journalist Tom Lee. They’ll discuss Megan’s current project, The Field, forgotten cemeteries, buried pasts and stories of the south. About Megan Ledbetter Megan Ledbetter (1980) is an artist and educator based in Red Bank, Tennessee, whose lens-based work explores personal, cultural, and historical narratives tied to place. Her current photographic project, The Field, is part of a larger collaborative initiative to recognize and repair a derelict municipal cemetery for the poor and dispossessed in operation from 1890-1912, discovered recently in her hometown. Through generous support from the Current Art Fund (2023-2024), her work combines visual imagery, historical research, and community engagement to shine a light on the complex overlapping histories at this abandoned burial ground. She earned her MFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design (2011), a BFA from East Tennessee State University (2008), and a BA from Auburn University (2002). She attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 2013 and was awarded a Resident Artist Fellowship from Anderson Ranch Arts Center in 2014. Learn more at www.meganledbetter.com. Visit the link HERE for more information! ____________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
Highlighting Red Bank's Non-Profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE MISSION To empower and engage Chattanooga's Latino population through advocacy, education, and inclusion. THE VISION To promote a thriving Latino community within an inclusive Chattanooga. Since opening our doors in 2004, we have worked to build and establish trust with Chattanooga's diverse Latino demographic through programs and services created to empower and engage our community. We believe a diverse community is a strong community. The Latino population is a valuable asset to the Chattanooga area. All immigrants deserve access to resources that will help them thrive in their environment. WHAT WE DO Family Stabilization We offer bilingual access and reduce/remove barriers through culturally appropriate support services including case management, social navigation, resources, and referrals. Community Building & Education We provide educational support and wealth building for students, families, and small businesses – as well as community building and engagement. Advocacy & Placemaking We are invested in Chattanooga becoming and remaining a welcoming city for all people and we work for equitable access and opportunity for all. Connection Become a volunteer, participate in our community classes and more! Social Impact Connecting Latinxs with resources to live healthily, gain knowledge, and participate in their community For more information contact La Paz Chattanooga at: Website: https://www.lapazchattanooga.org/ Mailing Address PO Box 3058 Chattanooga, TN 37404 Phone: (423) 624-8414 Email: info@lapazchattanooga.org Location 809 S. Willow St. Chattanooga, TN 37404 Hours Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
Looking Ahead
October 7th - Regular Commission Work Session - 5 PM Regular Commission Meeting - 6 PM October 21st- Regular Commission Work Session - 5 PM Regular Commission Meeting - 6 PM
October 8th - Planning Commission Work Session - 12 PM October 22nd - Regular Planning Commission Meeting - 6 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
