The City of Mount Dora is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Fire Chief, Mr. Joseph Hightower. Chief Hightower is bringing more than 30 years of fire protection, emergency preparedness, and paramedic services experience to the City. This also includes 20 years of experience at the federal level where he worked approximately 8 years with the Anniston Army Depot Fire & Emergency Services (Anniston, AL) and approximately 12 years with the Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield Fire & Emergency Services (Fort Stewart, GA). Within these federal organizations, he served in various roles during his tenure including: Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Protection Specialist, Assistant Chief of Operations, as well as Assistant Chief of Training and Deputy Fire Chief. Over the last 4 years, he has operated as a Lead National Instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness.
“I’m very excited to be the new Fire Chief of Mount Dora and for my wife and I to move here. I’m looking forward to meeting our firefighters, that I have heard so many wonderful things about, and being a part of what all they do to serve the community,” said Chief Hightower.
Chief Hightower attended the American Military University in Charles Town, WV where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science Management. He received his Paramedic certification from Gadsden State Community College and has been a nationally registered paramedic for 32 years. Chief Hightower is accompanied by his wife, Janet and four children (Beau, Austin, Noah, and Allison). His anticipated start date is June 19, 2023.