Putnam Fire Chief Honored With Award, Historic Honor From State Group

Putnam County Fire Chief Tom Brown recognized for his career contributions to the betterment of fire services in Tennessee.

Brown previously honored as winner of the State Firefighter of the Year award. Now, by winning the Lewis Baker Fire Service Award, Brown becomes the only person in Tennessee Firemen’s Association history to take both awards.

“I was floored actually,” Brown said. “I had no idea. They pulled that off without my knowledge, obviously. Probably, a whole lot more people more deserving than I, but they chose me so here we are. I’m just very honored.”

Brown said he was surprised someone nominated him for the award, actually left speechless. He said the honor came at the perfect time, as he eyes retirement at the end of the year.

“My youngest son was there,” Brown said. “My oldest son he couldn’t be there because of his work schedule, which when I walked in and my youngest son was there it kind of caught me off guard, but my wife said yeah they just wanted come since it’s your last one.”

Brown was honored at the 99th Tennessee Firemen’s Association Conference. Nearly 150 firefighters from across the state gathered for special training were in Cookeville to receive training at the joint conference hosted by the Tennessee Firemen’s Association and the Upper Cumberland Regional Council of Fire Chiefs.

“One of my Captains was called to the podium,” Brown said. “He read the nomination. As soon as they called him I kind of knew something was up.”

Brown said he hopes things are quiet after his retirement.

“I hope I left something for the people coming up,” Brown said.