Mount Dora names new fire Chief

After nearly two years, the City of Mount Dora announced its new fire chief on May 22.  In an email to Mount Dora CIty Council, the city’s top executive, City Manager Patrick Comiskey, named  Joseph Hightower as the new leader of the esteemed Mount Dora Fire Department.  His anticipated start date in Mount Dora is June 19, 2023.

Hightower has three decades of experience in fire protection, emergency preparedness, and paramedic services that he brings to the City.  This includes 20 years of experience at the Federal level where he worked with the Anniston Army Depot Fire & Emergency Services in Anniston, Alabama.  Over the last four years, Hightower performed as a Lead National Instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness.

The new Chief’s experience also includes 12 years with the Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield Fire & Emergency Services in Fort Stewart, Georgia.  Hightower served in various roles during his Federal tenure including: Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Protection Specialist, Assistant Chief of Operations, as well as Assistant Chief of Training and Deputy Fire Chief. 
 
“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.

Mount Dora Interim Fire Chief Rich Loewer, who served in that position for nearly two years and proved himself as an impressive and knowledgeable leader, will stay on as Deputy Chief.
 
Chief Hightower attended the American Military University in Charles Town, WV where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science Management and has been a nationally registered paramedic for 32 years. Chief Hightower will relocate to Mount Dora with  his wife, Janet and four children, Beau, Austin, Noah, and Allison.   

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