Chattanooga Fire Department Lt. Greg Smith was given the First Responder Hero award for his actions in the aftermath of the Easter tornado.
Lt. Smith was nominated for the American Red Cross' First Responder Hero award for his crew's response in the East Brainerd area.
The fire department said Lt. Smith and the Quint 21 crew began searching homes in the disaster area, getting people who had lost their homes into shelters, and helping the injured. Lt. Smith received the award Thursday morning at Station 7.
“Lt. Smith epitomizes what you want in a supervisor as a firefighter. He understands the way things work, heads off problems, and mentors others in an admirable way. He is very deserving of recognition. Greg is a role model to man and the Chattanooga Fire Department, as well as the community, are better for his dedication to his craft,” said his battalion chief, David Thompson Jr.