In the Spotlight: Joe Hightower

An instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness since 2019, Joe Hightower has been a nationally registered paramedic for 30 years.

Hightower earned a bachelor’s degree in fire science management in 2009 and holds many fire service certifications, including Fire Officer IV, Fire Instructor III, Fire Inspector III and Incident Commander Hazardous Materials. He is also credentialed with the Center for Public Safety Excellence as a Chief Fire Officer.

Hightower spent 20 years as a civilian firefighter for the Department of the Army, where he served as chief of training, chief of operations, emergency communications center chief and deputy department chief. He was once recognized as the Army’s Fire Officer of the Year.

Hightower has also responded to several regional disasters, including hurricanes Matthew and Irma, and a number of tornado-related incidents.

“I believe it is of the utmost importance to share personal knowledge and experiences with other first responders. We should never stop learning and sharing with our brothers and sisters in the Emergency Response Services,” he explained.

“I cherish the opportunity to make a student’s job easier through teaching,” he added.