Throughout his 35-year career in public service, Joel Hewitt continually demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities. During his tenure as Fire Chief for the City of Moorhead, Minnesota, Mr. Hewitt aided the efforts of the Education Committee and the Policy and Editing Committee (now the Communications and Policy Committee) of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. Joel Hewitt co-authored several articles for Fire Engineering, the industry’s trade magazine, including “The Reluctant Company Officer,” in which he shares his knowledge about the chain of command during a fire and the execution of technical and operational procedures. In “Volunteer Firefighter as Initial Incident Commander,” Joel Hewitt outlines various tactical priorities and safety measures required during response situations.

A chief of four fire departments during his career, Joel Hewitt professed an overarching goal of assisting people in their time of need. When the I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapsed in 2007, he arrived on the scene, donating his time to assist his fellow fire chiefs and provide support for accident victims. Joel Hewitt constantly strived to partner with the firefighters in his crew and ensure he provided them with the necessary training, equipment, and support. In a story broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio in 2006, Joel Hewitt explained how he asked all members of his staff to complete a confidential questionnaire which allowed firefighters to dictate which love ones Mr. Hewitt should contact first in the event of a tragedy, and who among the crew should accompany him. Joel Hewitt also delivered on his goal of involving the community in his departments’ initiatives. While serving as Fire Chief for the City of St. Anthony, Minnesota, Mr. Hewitt created a citizens group to design, fund, and build a new fire station.

Joel Hewitt sought continued growth within his profession through membership in various professional organizations, including the Clay County Chiefs Association, the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Joel Hewitt co-founded the Cass/Clay County First Responders Networking Breakfast Club, and served as Incident Commander for the Minneapolis Regional Type III All Hazard Incident Management Team.