Joe Hardy Appointed Chief of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical
Joe Hardy Appointed Chief of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical
Majed Al-Ghafry, City of Lawrence City Manager, has also appointed Joe Hardy as Chief of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM), selecting a lifelong Lawrence resident and nearly three-decade veteran of the department to lead one of the community’s most trusted public safety organizations.
Hardy has served as Acting Fire Chief since December 2024, providing steady leadership while guiding the department’s daily operations, supporting employees and ensuring the continued delivery of exceptional emergency services to the Lawrence and Douglas County communities.
Born and raised in Lawrence, Hardy joined Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical in 1997 as a member of the department’s first recruit class following the consolidation of the Lawrence Fire Department and Douglas County Ambulance Service. During his career, he has served in nearly every level of the organization, including Paramedic, Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Operations Battalion Chief, Division Chief of Training and Acting Fire Chief.
“Chief Hardy’s appointment reflects a lifetime of service to the Lawrence community and a proven record of leadership within Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical. He has earned the trust of his colleagues by leading with integrity, investing in people and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public service. I am confident the Chief will continue building a culture of excellence while preparing the department to meet the evolving needs of our community. We are proud to have him leading one of Lawrence’s most respected organizations,” Majed Al-Ghafry, City Manager.
A second-generation firefighter, Hardy follows in the footsteps of his father, Robert Hardy, who retired from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical as a lieutenant in 2009. His lifelong connection to the department, coupled with his deep roots in Lawrence, has shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in service, respect and community. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma with Native American and Mexican heritage, Hardy brings a perspective that reflects both the diversity of the community and a lifelong commitment to public service.
As Fire Chief, Hardy will continue advancing a culture centered on the department’s core values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence. His leadership priorities include investing in employees, developing future leaders, strengthening organizational culture and ensuring Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical continues to provide the highest level of emergency response and public safety services. He is also pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Haskell Indian Nations University and is expected to graduate in 2027.
“I am proud to work for Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and honored to continue leading this outstanding organization into the future,” Hardy said. “I believe in preserving our traditions, strengthening our culture and providing the highest level of service to the community we are privileged to protect. Our mission remains focused on protecting lives and serving our community with excellence.”
Hardy’s appointment reflects a career defined by servant leadership, professional growth and an unwavering commitment to the people he serves. Throughout his nearly 30 years with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, he has earned the respect of colleagues by leading through example, investing in employee development and embracing opportunities to strengthen the organization for future generations. His commitment to education, accountability and leadership development positions the department to continue building on its proud tradition of excellence while preparing for the evolving needs of the community.
Media Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.gov
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