Lawrence County Fire & Rescue: Tennessee Fire Departments Recognized as Essential

Lawrence County Fire & Rescue announced that fire departments in Tennessee are now officially recognized as an essential service, joining law enforcement and EMS in this designation. The department expressed gratitude to everyone involved and specifically thanked local Representatives Clay Doggett and Kip Capley for sponsoring the measure and helping ensure firefighters receive proper recognition.

The measure, HJR 790, passed the Tennessee House, officially recognizing fire protection services as essential. Tennessee firefighters — career, part-time, and volunteer — respond daily to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, natural disasters, and technical rescues. Their service is now formally recognized as essential.