Brentwood firefighters who deployed into the face of danger in Gatlinburg several weeks ago were recognized at the Board of Commissioners meeting Monday night.
Brentwood Fire and Rescue Chief Brian Goss introduced the firefighters, commending them for their dedication and hard work in the midst of a difficult situation.
He emphasized that the firefighters who went to East Tennessee did so not grudgingly out of a sense of obligation, but eagerly out of a desire to help. They wanted to go, and they were happy that they had been permitted to do so.
“We are just blessed that you allowed us the opportunity to go,” Goss told the commissioners.
He said he knew that having so many firefighters away from Brentwood put a burden on the city, but was grateful that the city was willing to accept that burden in favor of letting Brentwood firefighters join in the fight in Gatlinburg.
Chief Goss also mentioned that a new commendation ribbon was being created to give to firefighters who deployed to Gatlinburg. He said it was the first new ribbon created in about ten years.
As the honored firefighters stood before the commissioners, members of the board addressed them, thanking them for their service and praising their sense of duty.
“The attitude that you guys had is unbelievable,” Commissioner Ken Travis said. “To come here and thank us for letting you go in harms’ way is unbelievable. But that’s what we see from the Fire and Rescue Department.”
Commissioner Betsy Crossley mentioned that she has two friends whose homes were destroyed in the fires.
“Thank you for helping my friends, and for all the folks over there,” she said.
Chief Goss followed up by thanking the city for the resources it has given the Fire and Rescue Department. Goss said it made a difference in Gatlinburg.
“Numerous departments had issues with equipment over there,” Goss said. “We did not have any issues and that is because you take good care of us.”
The firefighters honored for their service in Gatlinburg at the meeting were: Chief Scott Ellis, Firefighter Jeremy Koepf, Engineer Tony Dixon, Firefighter Tom LoSchiavo, Engineer Ryan Prather, Chief Russ Peterson, Firefighter Erron Kinney, Engineer Ronald King, Engineer Jason Sykes and Engineer Jacob Lampley.
Those deployed who were honored but could not attend the meeting were: Chief David Harber, Engineer Zachary Scheitel, Engineer David Bass, Lieutenant John LoPiccolo and Engineer Jason Pierce.
