“It’s no coincidence that the word ‘service’ is in ‘fire service.’ To be a firefighter is to be a part of a family whose primary purpose is to serve others.”

Chief Joseph Pennino, Largo Fire Rescue

Why did you become a firefighter?

Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Pennino credits his two cousins, who had careers in the fire service while he was growing up, for his desire to become a firefighter. One of his cousins was a Captain for the South Bend Fire Department and he fondly remembers getting to ride on one of the department’s antique fire trucks when he was young. His other cousin is a Firefighter/Paramedic for Largo Fire Rescue, where Chief Pennino has worked for the past 18 years. While still in high school, Pennino used to read his cousin’s firefighter and EMT books.

One of the aspects of firefighting that interested him the most was the opportunity to get involved with the many different sub-specialties in the fire service. Seeing that each sub-specialty provided opportunities to learn, grow, and presented new and unique challenge — all while helping others — stoked his passion to become a firefighter.

“Whether it’s working on a truck company, heavy rescue, learning vehicle extrication, paramedicine, hazardous materials, or technical rescue, the avenues to expand your knowledge are seemingly endless.”

After graduating from EMT school and the fire academy, Chief Pennino spent some time working in his hometown of Dunedin, FL. He later went to paramedic school and earned a position at Largo Fire Rescue. His younger brother was close behind him and is now a District Chief for the Safety Harbor Fire Department (FL).

What is your favorite part about being a firefighter?

“The camaraderie and the honor of serving the public.”

“It’s no coincidence that the word ‘service’ is found in ‘fire service,’ Chief Pennino pointed out. “To be a firefighter is to be a part of a family whose primary purpose is to serve others,” which Chief Pennino believes creates a close bond. As the Deputy Fire Chief, Chief Pennino is able to ensure that the men and women of Largo Fire Rescue have what they need to do their jobs safely and to the best of their ability.

“One of my favorite things to do is to spend mornings at the firehouse sharing work and life stories with other firefighters over coffee.”

What advice do you have for other firefighters?

“Take your job seriously and never lose sight of why you answered the call to join the fire service.”

Regardless of the specific role in the organization, everyone has a responsibility to be as proficient as possible and to look for opportunities each and every day to make a positive impact in the lives of the citizens they serve and their fellow firefighters. Volunteering for department committees, reading, and attending conferences or symposiums are great ways to learn new skills and stay current on new technology and information. These events also create an avenue to network with other firefighters and they help keep the passion for the fire service alive.

Throughout his career, Chief Pennino has attended many conferences and seminars, including the National Fire Academy’s four-year Executive Fire Officer Program. His passion for personal development led him to complete a master’s degree in Public Policy, a Doctorate in Public Administration, and to go on to teach “Leadership in Fire Service Organizations” at the collegiate level. 

What changes do you foresee in the fire service?

“I believe that the future holds a more comprehensive and data-driven approach to community risk reduction.”

The fire service has continued to change and evolve over the past century. Most recently there has been an increased emphasis on firefighter mental health and cancer prevention.

Other recent efforts have effectively reduced the number of structure fires. Moving forward, more emphasis will be focused on preventing other types of calls for service such as falls, vehicle accidents, and drownings. Firefighters will most certainly have a key role in these initiatives and as the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Being in the fire service and EMS field for the past two decades has provided Chief Pennino with many unforgettable experiences. He has responded to horrific car accidents, plane crashes, and has watched the sun come up on many fire scenes. He has served as a SWAT paramedic, a flight paramedic, hazardous materials technician, and gone on several hurricane deployments. All along the way, he has experienced tremendous camaraderie working with some of the best people he knows.

He has had the privilege of welcoming dozens of new people to the department, hosting retirement parties, and tragically, he’s had to respond to work in the middle of the night to wake up crews and inform them of the loss of one of their own.

“I believe it is these types of experiences that make the fire service unique. It takes a special type of individual to do the job and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with so many fantastic people.”

Chief Pennino