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CHATTANOOGA, TN (Jun 1) – Lt. Terrance Andrews, Engine 15, Chattanooga Fire Department has been named Tennessee Firefighter of the Year by the Tennessee Firemen’s Association.

On April 20, 2006, Lt. Andrews and his crew responded to a report of an attempted suicide by overdose at 1600 Parkway Avenue. When firefighters arrived at the home, they encountered a man, Mr. Andrew Duncan, who had no idea that his sister had called 9-1-1 for herself or even that she was at home. While he was speaking to firefighters about the matter they all smelled smoke. Mr. Duncan opened his sister’s door and found Virginia Humphreys, age 46, in the room and the bed on fire. Lt. Andrews tried unsuccessfully to reach Ms, Humphreys and then ran outside, called for additional fire companies and grabbed an axe. While other firefighters on his engine were preparing hoselines, Lt. Andrews ran to the side of the house and attempted to pry off the security bars. Being unable to do so, Lt. Andrews reached up and pulled the bars from the window using brute strength. He then reached through the window and pulled Ms. Humphreys to safety.

The fire itself was contained to the bedroom and a bathroom. Ms. Humphreys was released from the hospital on May 26, 2006.

"On behalf of all members of our department, I am honored to congratulate Lt. Andrews for earning this prestigious award," said Fire Chief Wendell Rowe. "As fire chief, I know that Lt. Andrews is one of many in this department who demonstrates an unselfishness and willingness to collectively perform at heroic levels literally on a daily basis to protect our citizens. I am delighted that the Tennessee Firemen's Association has chosen to honor the effort that Lt. Andrews and his fellow crew members made on that day."

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield had this to say about the award, "Lt. Andrews is a true hero. His action underscores the dangers of the job and the life-saving skills that he and his co-workers possess," said Mayor Littlefield.

Lt. Andrews has been a Chattanooga firefighter for eight years. He will accept his award at the Tennessee Firemen's Association's annual convention in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Saturday, June 3, 2006.