CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Chattanooga Fire Department said Saturday its most senior member had a medical emergency while on duty at the fire station and died.
It said Captain George Turley's crew found him unresponsive after he had a medical emergency while doing his daily workout in an apparatus bay. They called 911 and began administering CPR, and he was rushed to the hospital. The fire department said despite the work of responders and medical workers to save him, Turley died on Dec. 14.
"It is an unbelievably sad blow to the CFD and especially to George’s family, including his wife, Debbie, and their two sons," the fire department said on social media.
The fire department said he was a "role model and strong leader" who made sure to visit schools and connect with children in the Hixson community.
On social media, the fire department showed a procession escorting him from the Erlanger Hospital to the area's medical examiner's office. Law enforcement and fire department vehicles traveled down the road and displayed a long line of flashing lights in a demonstration to honor Turley and his family.
"Captain Turley’s passion for the fire service and compassion for others has left a mark on many in our department. He truly cared about the job and he wanted it done right," the fire department said on social media. "George was a good person and a solid firefighter who will be greatly missed."
The fire department said funeral arrangements for Turley were pending. It also said Turley's coworkers and the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association Local 820 were offering support for his family.
