10/26/2025
VOLUNTEER FIRE CHIEF OF THE YEAR 2025 - Chief Walt Cross, Grassy Fork VFD
Here is just a portion of the essay Director Joe Esway, Cocke County EMA submitted. (No AI was used to summarize)
I began serving with Chief Cross in March of 2019. I was immediately impressed with his steadfast commitment to effective communication, Fire Rescue techniques, tactics and procedures, the safety of his firefighters, desire to enhance and improve Emergency Response capabilities, and his love of the community.
Search and Rescue: Cocke County is made up of 442 square miles, encompassing three rivers, a portion of Douglas Lake, with a piece of The Appalachian Trail running right through the community he serves. We attract visitors from all over the county who raft, hike, camp and play here. Each year and on multiple occasions, the county will deploy multiple agencies to search for missing or injured persons who have lost their way of bit off more than they could chew on their visit. On a limited budget, Chief Cross and his Officers are revoluntionizing the way this county approaches our Search and Rescue techniques, tactics, and procedures. Chief Cross approaches every issue at its genesis by taking the time to understand why and how things happen. This methodical approach has given Emergency Responders a thorough and complete understanding of a situation, how we got here , and how we should attack each unique challenge. Chief Cross arranged for "Lost Person Behavior" classes to be taught and because of the trainings, exercises, and practical applications. Searchers have a better understanding of the decision making from different demographics of the population.
A better understanding of behavior coupled with a thorough knowledge of topography within the county has brought the proper equipment and technology to the table. Vehicles, equipment, training packages, and technology are being used in Cocke County for the fire time, all arranged under the guidance and Leadership of Chief Cross.
Education: Chief Cross and his department are actively engaged and involved in the community he serves. Annual trips to the elementary/intermediate school in Grassy Fork promoting wellness and fire safety among teachers, administrators, and children of his community.
Chief Cross has my highest personal and professional recommendation as the Tennessee Fire Chiefs Association VOLUNTEER CHIEF OF THE YEAR.
