The Knoxville Fire and Rescue Department saw a 7.3% increase in the number of calls responded to in December of 2021. Despite the increased workload, Fire Chief Cal Wyman tells KNIA/KRLS News that the morale of his staff has not wavered.

“Everybody here is in a great mood. This is a job where people love coming to work because they know they are making a difference. And yes, we see our call numbers continue to increase, but that also gives our staff here more opportunities to make a difference in somebody’s life or to make a difference in somebody’s day and that’s what these guys and gals are here to do everyday.”

Call numbers will continue to increase as more housing is built in Knoxville.