Cocke County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – A Cocke County firefighter was allegedly attacked while preparing for duty during recent flooding concerns, highlighting growing safety concerns for first responders.
According to a police report, the incident happened May 28 in Parrottsville, when the firefighter was sitting in his personal vehicle on West Drive checking water levels ahead of his shift.
Authorities say two neighbors, identified as Fred Trantham and William Morgan, approached the firefighter, yelling and upset as he turned his vehicle near their property.
The situation quickly escalated. Investigators say Trantham attempted to force open the firefighter’s truck door and head-butted the vehicle, causing a laceration to his own forehead. At the same time, police say Morgan retrieved a revolver and pointed it at the firefighter, placing him in fear for his life.
The firefighter remained inside his vehicle, threw a water bottle to create distance, and contacted dispatch while waiting for deputies to arrive.
Both suspects were taken into custody. Trantham is charged with assault on a first responder, while Morgan faces charges of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
The incident comes as Tennessee prepares to strengthen penalties for attacks on first responders. Beginning July 1, assaulting a first responder will be upgraded from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The enhanced penalty includes a mandatory $10,000 fine and a minimum 60-day jail sentence without early release.
State data indicates more than 200 convictions for assault against first responders occur each year in Tennessee.
Cocke County Fire Chief Cody Keyes said the incident underscores the risks firefighters face—even before they are called into emergency situations.
“As firefighters, we’re not here to hurt you. We’re not here to put you in jail or write you a ticket. We’re here to help,” Keyes said. “Our job is to make somebody’s worst day just a little bit better.”
Keyes noted that crews in Cocke County had been preparing for potential flooding after the area saw intense rainfall, with roughly a week’s worth of rain falling in just two hours during recent storms.
Firefighters routinely carry response gear in their personal vehicles and undergo year-round training for high-risk situations like swift-water rescues.
Still, Keyes says what first responders need most is simple respect and cooperation from the public.
“At the end of the day, we’re people just like everybody else,” he said. “We’re just trying to do our job and serve our community.”
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
