Bristol, Tennessee, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Brandon Clawson, a dedicated firefighter and paramedic in Bristol, Tennessee, passed away due to a medical emergency while on duty. Known for his kindness and commitment to public service, Clawson spent over 22 years in emergency services. The Bristol community is mourning his loss, with local fire departments offering condolences and support to his family. This incident highlights the challenges firefighters face and the importance of mental health resources for first responders.
Bristol, Tennessee firefighter and paramedic Brandon Clawson died on Wednesday due to a medical emergency. A spokesperson for the city confirmed that Clawson experienced the medical emergency at a city fire station on Wednesday morning while on duty. The tragic event did not occur during a fire department call for service.
The Bristol community is being asked to keep Clawson’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, including his family and colleagues in the fire-rescue service. Local fire departments expressed their condolences, with the Kingsport Fire Department reaching out via social media to offer support, stating their “hearts and prayers are with his family and the entire department during this difficult time.” The East Sullivan County Fire Department also shared their condolences regarding Clawson’s untimely death.
Clawson had an extensive career with the Bristol Fire Department, where he served for several years and accumulated approximately 22 years of experience as an EMT-paramedic. In recognition of his dedication, he recently received a lifetime membership from the Carter’s Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
Colleagues from the Bristol Fire Department described Clawson as a passionate paramedic firefighter who loved helping others. He was known for his kindness not only towards people but also towards animals, particularly his dogs and cats. The circumstances surrounding Clawson’s death are currently being treated as a line-of-duty death, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by emergency responders.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by first responders in Bristol and across the nation, who regularly put their lives on the line to keep communities safe. The support from neighboring fire departments indicates the close-knit nature of the firefighting community, which often bands together during times of grief such as this.
Community Response
Following the news of Clawson’s passing, various community leaders have expressed their sorrow and support for Clawson’s family. The outpouring of condolences underlines the impact that Clawson had not just within the fire department, but also in the broader Bristol community.
Background Information
Brandon Clawson’s career in emergency services began over two decades ago, showcasing his commitment to public service and health. The loss of an experienced firefighter and paramedic like Clawson is felt deeply within the community, as he was a vital part of Bristol’s emergency response team.
Being a firefighter and paramedic is more than just a job; it involves a commitment to helping people at their most vulnerable moments. The emotional trauma of losing a colleague can also significantly affect the mental health of first responders, highlighting the importance of mental health resources in the emergency services sector.
Conclusion
As the Bristol community mourns the loss of Brandon Clawson, tributes continue to reflect his dedication to the profession and the care he showed to others. In this time of loss, support for Clawson’s family and the Bristol Fire Department remains crucial, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by those who serve.
FAQ
- What caused the death of firefighter Brandon Clawson?
- Brandon Clawson died due to a medical emergency while on duty at a fire station.
- Was he responding to a call when he experienced the medical emergency?
- No, the tragedy did not occur during a fire department call for service.
- How long had Brandon Clawson worked for the Bristol Fire Department?
- Clawson worked with the Bristol Fire Department for several years and had approximately 22 years of experience as an EMT-paramedic.
- What recognition did Clawson recently receive?
- Clawson recently received a lifetime membership from the Carter’s Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
- How is the community responding to Clawson’s death?
- The community is being asked to keep Clawson’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers. Local fire departments have expressed condolences and support.
- How is this incident classified?
- The circumstances surrounding Clawson’s death are being treated as a line-of-duty death.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Firefighter’s Name | Brandon Clawson |
| Job Title | Firefighter and Paramedic |
| Location | Bristol, Tennessee |
| Date of Incident | Wednesday |
| Experience | 22 years as EMT-paramedic |
| Recognition | Lifetime membership from Carter’s Valley Volunteer Fire Department |
| Community Response | Condolences from local fire departments and community |
| Classification of Incident | Line-of-duty death |
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Additional Resources
- WJHL
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- WCYB
- Google Search: Bristol Firefighter Brandon Clawson
- WCYB – Fire Investigation
- Google Scholar: Firefighter Mental Health Support
- WCYB – New Fire Station
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighter Challenges
- WCYB – Fire on Fifth Street
- Google News: Bristol Fire Department
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
