Share this post or save for laterJoe Hardy, who has served as interim chief of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical since December 2024, has been named to the permanent role, the City of Lawrence has announced. Hardy is a lifelong resident of Lawrence and nearly three-decade veteran of the department, according to the city’s news release. “I am proud to work for Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and honored to continue leading this outstanding organization into the future,” Hardy said in the release. Hardy is a second-generation firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert Hardy, according to the release. Hardy has served in nearly every level of LDCFM, including paramedic, engineer, lieutenant, captain, operations battalion chief, division chief of training and acting fire chief ahead of his appointment to the interim position.