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Chattanooga Fire Department Senior Firefighter Jerry Copeny is the picture of heroic perfection in his pressed blue uniform. His inherent courage was recognized recently when Copeny was named Chattanooga Fire Department Firefighter of the Year.
“I was just as surprised as everyone else,” said Copeny, who serves Signal Mountain as a firefighter on a part-time basis. “The first thing I wanted to do was tell my wife about it, tell my kids.
“They are the reason I do what I do. so they can have a good role model to fashion themselves after,” said the Brainerd resident and family man.
Senior Firefighter Jerry Copeny was named the Chattanooga Fire Department Firefighter of the Year. Copeny serves the city of Chattanooga full-time and the Signal Mountain community part-time.
Copeny’s children have much to look up to, according to Signal Mountain Fire Chief John Vlasis.
“He’s a benchmark for every firefighter in this area. He’s willing to risk his life to save his fellow man,” said Vlasis. “We’re lucky to have him up here as one of our part-time people.”
Copeny believes it was his reaction to one particular emergency that occurred in January that led to his recognition. He recalls the burning van on the streets of downtown Chattanooga and the smoke that flooded the air surrounding himself, colleagues Capt. Terri Rose and Senior Firefighter Kevin Thomas, and the burning vehicle’s passenger, who he managed to extract from the car in a matter of minutes.
“We all just had to act,” said Copeny, adding that the event was just another day at the office.
The hero is not satisfied to sit back and bask in his award ceremony glory, however, as he is committed to furthering his education to better serve his community.
Copeny is in the process of fulfilling his goal by attending Chattanooga State to earn his fire science degree, although he is careful to thank the Chattanooga Fire Department for teaching him the skills and knowledge he has used thus far and specifically thanks the Signal Mountain Fire Department for reinforcing those lessons.
“I thank the Signal Mountain Fire Department for allowing me to do what I love on my off-time,” said Copeny. “I’m very grateful to be able to serve both communities.”
Copeny is a graduate of Tyner High School and served in the U.S. Navy for two years following high school. He is married to Chandra and has three children, Khaliyah, Kaleb and Emanuel.
While his job remains a top priority, he is a firm believer that family always comes first.
“We have to make time for our family,” he said.
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