Dandridge Fire

10/17/2026

Remembering Former Dandridge Police Sergeant John Conrad

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of former Dandridge Police Department Sergeant John Conrad after a long and hard fought battle with Huntington's Disease.

Known affectionately as “Conrad” by those who knew and worked alongside him, he began his law enforcement career with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Dandridge Police Department. He served the citizens of Dandridge for many years and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He later served with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office before returning to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, where he retired a short time ago.

Those who knew Conrad will remember him for many things, including his unmistakable attention to detail and pride in his profession. There was hardly anyone around with a cleaner patrol car or a sharper uniform. If time allowed, he could often be found hand-washing his patrol car twice in a single shift. That was just Conrad—dedicated, particular, and proud of the job he did.

His years of service left a lasting impression on the law enforcement community, and he will be deeply missed by the friends, fellow officers, and colleagues who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

Please keep his family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Brother. You fought the good fight, you finished the race, and your watch is over. You will not be forgotten.

09/29/2026

“If you needed a dollar, he’d give you five dollars, and he would never expect the five dollars or the other four dollars to come back,” Riley said. “He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes.” Read his full story here: https://tinyurl.com/4pstb882

09/27/2026

The Jefferson County Rescue Squad posted their condolences along with other county officials, noting that Chief Walker’s arrangements are in the process of being completed. More here: https://tinyurl.com/yc8nbebr

09/27/2026

The members of Dandridge Fire Department are mourning the loss of Captain Jay Ray Walker and sending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and brothers and sisters of the Jefferson County Rescue Squad.

Captain Walker devoted his life to helping others and serving his community. Through his leadership, compassion, and dedication, he made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless people.

As a Lifetime Member of Dandridge Fire Department, Captain Walker will always hold a special place in our department family. We are grateful for his service and will continue to honor his memory.

Please keep his loved ones and fellow responders in your thoughts and prayers as they face this difficult loss.

Rest peacefully, Captain Walker.
Your service made a difference, and your legacy will live on.
Job well done, RS-1.

Dandridge Fire Department

09/23/2026

SLOW DOWN MOVE OVER

A fire truck protecting a crash site on I-81 was hit by a tractor-trailer, placingit out of service indefinitely, according to the White Pine Fire Department.

09/23/2026

🚨 DANDRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT — HIGHWAY RESPONDER SAFETY 🚨

Dandridge Fire Department extends our support to our neighboring fire service partners following the serious incident involving a fire apparatus being struck while operating on Interstate 81 on the night of September 21, 2026.

During a multi-vehicle crash response, a fire apparatus was strategically positioned to provide a protective barrier between approaching traffic and firefighters, emergency personnel, and civilians operating at the scene. At approximately 10:29 PM, the apparatus was struck by a commercial vehicle, resulting in significant damage and placing the apparatus out of service indefinitely.

We are extremely thankful that no firefighters were injured.

This incident serves as an important reminder of the hazards emergency responders face every time we operate on our highways. Fire apparatus positioning and blocking are critical components of scene safety. When properly positioned, an apparatus can provide a substantial physical barrier between emergency personnel and approaching traffic.

It also highlights the importance of having adequate resources and multiple apparatus available to respond to highway incidents. Additional engines, tankers, trucks, command units, and support apparatus allow incident commanders to establish appropriate traffic protection and safety zones while maintaining the resources necessary to manage the emergency.

We ask everyone traveling our highways to remember:

• SLOW DOWN when approaching emergency scenes.
• MOVE OVER when possible and when required by law.
• Remain alert and watch for emergency personnel working near the roadway.
• Follow directions from emergency personnel and law enforcement.
• Expect unexpected lane changes, stopped traffic, and emergency vehicles.

Our firefighters and emergency responders are often working only feet away from moving traffic while attempting to protect lives and property. The apparatus positioned behind an incident may be the only thing standing between a responder and an approaching vehicle.

Dandridge Fire Department is grateful that our neighboring firefighters came away from this incident without injury and recognizes the importance of the protective measures taken by their crews.

To our fellow responders: stay alert, protect the scene, use effective blocking practices, and never underestimate the hazards of working on an active highway.

To the motoring public: when you see emergency lights, slow down, move over, and give emergency personnel room to work.

One apparatus may protect an entire scene. Multiple apparatus allow us to protect the scene while continuing to provide the emergency response our communities depend on.

🚒 SLOW DOWN. MOVE OVER. PROTECT OUR RESPONDERS.

09/11/2026

🚒 DANDRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT — INCIDENT RESPONSE

Dandridge Fire Department was dispatched to the Jefferson County Sanitation Department Landfill for a reported fire in the Class IV area of the landfill.

Upon arrival, crews found a large amount of material actively on fire. Shortly after arriving on scene, Command requested a 2nd Alarm response for additional tankers and manpower.

The Jefferson County Sanitation Department assisted firefighters throughout the incident by utilizing their equipment to help contain and manage the fire.

Dandridge Fire Department responded with:

🚒 Engine 7
🚒 Engine 71
🚒 Tanker 780
🚒 Truck 70
🚒 781
🚒 Support 75
👨‍🚒 11 personnel

Dandridge Fire was assisted on scene by:

• Jefferson City Fire Department
• Centerview Fire Department
• Chestnut Hill Fire Department
• New Market Fire Department
• Lakeway Fire Department
• Kansas-Talbott Fire Department
• West Hamblen Fire Department
• South Hamblen Fire Department
• Parrottsville Fire Department
• Cocke County Fire Department
• Newport Fire Department
• Sevierville Fire Department
• White Pine Fire Department
• Morristown Fire Department
• Northview Fire Department — covering Dandridge Fire’s response
• Jefferson County EMA

The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation at this time.

Dandridge Fire Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to every department, agency, firefighter, and responder who came out today to assist. Your willingness to answer the call and work together is what makes our fire service strong.

We would also like to thank the Jefferson County Sanitation Department for their assistance and the use of their equipment during the incident.

🔥 One call. Many departments. One team.