All emergency calls are received and dispatched through the Enhanced-911
Emergency Communications Center. The department maintains an overall
average response time of less than 4 minutes citywide.
The City of Knoxville also operates a Hazardous Materials Response
Unit with state-of-the-art equipment to handle all calls of an emergency
nature dealing with incidents relating to dangerous chemicals.
Also, the department operates 1 heavy rescue unit in addition to
10 engine companies which carry light rescue equipment capable of
performing auto extrications for pinned victims. All of these units
are staffed with state-certified auto extrication technicians.