Joe 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. “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 is a second-generation firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert Hardy, according to the release.
“His lifelong connection to the department, coupled with his deep roots in Lawrence, has shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in service, respect and community,” according to the release. “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.”
City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry, who just recently began his work with the city, said in the release that Hardy’s appointment “reflects a lifetime of service to the Lawrence community and a proven record of leadership” in the department.
“He has earned the trust of his colleagues by leading with integrity, investing in people and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public service,” Al-Ghafry said in the release. “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.”
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.
He is also pursuing a bachelor of business administration degree at Haskell Indian Nations University and is expected to graduate in 2027, according to the release.
The city on Friday also announced that Lindsay Hart will be shifting from interim to permanent director of Parks, Recreation and Culture. The two permanent roles have been long vacant as the city waited for the new city manager to take the helm.
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