Rep. Fred Atchley Celebrates More Than $166,000 in State Fire Grants for Sevier County Departments

State Representative Fred Atchley (R-Sevierville) is recognizing eight Sevier County volunteer fire departments and rescue agencies that received more than $166,000 in state grant funding over the past year through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The grants support equipment, training, and operational needs for the first responders who serve communities across District 12. Commissioner Carter Lawrence, Assistant Commissioner Mike Bell, and the State Fire Marshal's Office administer the funding.

The awards to agencies in Representative Atchley's district included:

• Catons Chapel Richardson Cove Volunteer Fire Department, $47,200

• Parrotts Chapel Community Fire Department, $47,200

• Sevier County Volunteer Rescue Squad, $25,100

• Northview Fire Department, $10,296

• Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Department, $10,296

• Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, $10,296

• Sevier County Fire Rescue, $8,742

• Waldens Creek Fire Department, $6,996

For Atchley, the recognition carries personal weight. Before his election to the General Assembly, he spent decades in public safety in Sevier County, retiring as a battalion chief with the City of Sevierville Fire Department in 2019.

"I spent a career answering the call alongside the men and women in these departments, so I know exactly what this funding means on the ground," said Representative Atchley. "These grants put better equipment and training in the hands of the volunteers and first responders who protect our families every single day. I am proud to stand with them and grateful to the Department of Commerce and Insurance for investing in Sevier County's safety."

Representative Atchley represents Tennessee House District 12, which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Pittman Center, Seymour, Wears Valley, and part of Sevierville.

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