Chattanooga Fire Department Captain George Turley, the most senior member of the department, died on Saturday.
Captain Turley, 58, served 31 years in the department. He died doing his daily workout in the gym in the apparatus bay by the fire truck when he suffered a medical emergency, the department announced.
Members of his crew (Engine 16 Blue Shift) found him unresponsive, called 911, and performed CPR. Captain Turley was rushed to the hospital but passed away. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their two sons.
“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, making him a role model and strong leader in the CFD. He was a staple in the Hixson community who always went the extra mile to make school visits and station visits extra special for children. George was a good person and a solid firefighter who will be greatly missed,” the department said on Facebook.
