Chattanooga Firefighter Fired After Arrest in Athens
The Chattanooga Fire Department terminated Joseph Millsaps following his arrest on aggravated assault charges.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Sex Crimes
The Chattanooga Fire Department has fired senior firefighter Joseph Millsaps after he was arrested by the Athens Police Department. Millsaps faces charges of aggravated assault and false imprisonment stemming from a domestic incident.
Why it matters
The termination follows serious allegations of physical abuse and unlawful restraint that triggered immediate disciplinary action by the city agency. Authorities moved to remove the firefighter from his post as the criminal investigation proceeds.
Joseph Millsaps currently faces specific criminal charges of aggravated assault and false imprisonment. He has been terminated from his position at the Chattanooga Fire Department following an arrest by Athens police.
The players
Joseph Millsaps
A former senior firefighter who served with the Chattanooga Fire Department until his termination.
Chattanooga Fire Department
The municipal agency responsible for fire suppression and emergency response in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Athens Police Department
The law enforcement agency based in Athens, Tennessee, that handled the investigation into the domestic incident.
The details
The victim alleged that Millsaps yelled at her, choked her, and handcuffed her to a downstairs bar inside his home. She managed to escape the restraints and flee the residence, though she later returned due to threats made against her brother.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Athens police responded to the domestic incident.
October 23, 2026: The fire department confirmed the termination.
Legal Context
This action follows the pattern set by the city of Chattanooga personnel disciplinary standards for handling employees arrested for violent crimes. Such procedures are designed to maintain public trust when staff face significant criminal accusations.
Residents in Chattanooga may be affected by changes to departmental staffing levels following this high-profile firing. No specific safety advisories have been issued to the public as the incident was localized to a private residence.
The takeaway
This case highlights the swift professional consequences for public safety employees who are involved in domestic violence allegations. It serves as a reminder that off-duty conduct can lead to the immediate loss of employment in emergency services.
Further reading
For more information on similar legal proceedings in the region, visit the Sex Crimes section.
