Gainesville selects Hillhouse as permanent head of fire rescue

Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Hillhouse has served with Gainesville Fire Rescue since 2003.
Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Hillhouse has served with Gainesville Fire Rescue since 2003.
Courtesy city of Gainesville

Interim Fire Chief Joseph “Shawn” Hillhouse will continue to lead Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) after the city announced Thursday his selection as the next fire chief.  

Hillhouse joined GFR in 2003 and has served at every level within the department. In November, Hillhouse stepped into the interim position after Fire Chief Joe Dixon stepped down.  

A nationwide search followed in January and February, and City Manager Cynthia Curry said her office worked from a pool of 27 candidates before whittling down to a group of eight and then three finalists.  

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“Chief Hillhouse knows this city, its people, and its fire department inside and out,” Curry said in a press release. “He’s led in every corner of the organization and brings a strong, forward-thinking approach to keeping our community safe.” 

Hillhouse will officially start the new role on June 9, and a swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled for a later date.  

A Live Oak native, Hillhouse started as a noncertified firefighter before rising to fire marshal, assistant fire chief and then deputy fire chief. 

As fire chief, Hillhouse will manage nine Gainesville fire stations, approximately 190 personnel and a $33 million budget. He will also be responsible for the Community Resource Paramedicine program and IMPACT GNV, the city’s response to gun violence. 

Hillhouse earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida Rinker School of Construction Management and a master’s degree in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School.   

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