Retired Chattanooga Fire Chief Joe Knowles Dies at Age 93

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…

Retired Chattanooga Fire Chief Joe Knowles dies at age 93

The Chattanooga Fire Department mourns the passing of retired Fire Chief Joe Knowles at age 93. Serving as chief from 1976 to 1984, Knowles was admired for his leadership. He survived a serious accident before retiring, and the local police and fire training center is dedicated in his honor. Funeral details are pending.

Joe Knowles, City's 2nd Longest Serving Fire Chief, Dies At 93