There are people who work for the City of Franklin, and then there’s Joe Polenzani, who has devoted his career to protecting and serving its residents. After 27 years at the Franklin Fire Department, Joe will retire on December 18, 2025.
Chief Polenzani’s passion for firefighting runs in the family. His father, Al, served as a volunteer firefighter in Knollwood, Illinois, where his dedication to helping others inspired two of his four children, Joe and his sister Maria, to pursue careers in the fire service. That legacy of service, safety, and dedication became the foundation for Joe’s own 33-year career.
Throughout his career, Chief Polenzani has earned numerous honors, including a Meritorious Award in 2018 for helping save a pedestrian who was critically injured, six Phoenix Awards for lifesaving efforts, and two Deployment Awards.
Joe’s fire-service career began as a volunteer in Ashland City, later joining the Franklin Fire Department while also serving with the Williamson County Rescue Squad on his off days. A published author for Fire Engineering and other industry journals, Joe has spent the past 14 years teaching at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis. There, his passion for leadership and education took shape as he began traveling the country to teach classes on safety, teamwork, and his signature course, Band of Brothers: The Leadership Principles of Dick Winters, one of FDIC’s most requested sessions.
Franklin Fire Department Chief Glenn Johnson says, “It’s difficult to fully convey the level of influence and outstanding contributions that Battalion Chief Joe Polenzani has made to the Franklin Fire Department. Joe has been dedicated, professional, and deeply caring, someone you can always count on. His steady leadership and commitment to continuous improvement have made our department stronger and better.”
Joe’s leadership has left a lasting mark on everyone who has served alongside him. Retired Captain Greg Wild, who worked with Joe for much of his career, describes his leadership style as transformational. “Joe is always sharing the department’s vision and setting clear expectations for others to excel,” Wild says. “Service before self is his mantra.”
Among Joe’s many contributions are his leadership in the Company Officer Academy and his mentorship of countless recruits. “He’s often the first friendly face new hires meet and the kind of instructor who continues shaping them years later,” Wild adds. Retired Lieutenant Richard Hasley agrees: “When Joe first made lieutenant, I was his driver. From the beginning, he made sure you knew you were appreciated for doing the job. He sees everyone as an asset and focuses on their strengths. That’s above and beyond.”
Deputy Chief Walter Lewis of Orlando International Fire Rescue describes Joe’s leadership as selfless. “Anytime Joe speaks about the fire service, his personnel, or his family, he shares good news and checks in on everyone else. He’s genuine about others’ wellbeing. He’s a caring gentleman-scholar, and it shows.”
For most of us, firefighting is something we only see from the outside, the flashing lights, the smoke, the chaos. But firefighters encounter far more than burning buildings. They’re often first on the scene, witnessing moments both inspiring and heartbreaking. You can’t help but wonder: how do they stay calm? How do they not carry every scene home with them?
For Joe, that steady presence is what sets him apart. “He manages the scene without emotion,” says Wild, a skill honed through years of training and instinct.
Firefighting demands more than long shifts and safety training. It calls for deep commitment to the community, to your team, and to a calling that doesn’t pause for weekends or holidays. While many spend Thanksgiving or Christmas gathered at home, firefighters often spend those days at the station, ready to respond when they’re needed most.
“Having your dad be an inspirational figure that many in the community look up to is a surreal feeling,” says Joe’s daughter Katie. “I’m often overwhelmed with pride for my dad, but of course, I always worry about his safety. Thanks to his commitment to knowledge and extreme safety measures, I’m confident in his safety but like anyone, there’s always an underlying sense of worry.”
Joe’s wife, Carolyn, recalls one of her favorite moments in his career seeing him play drums with a bagpipe band made up of firefighters from across Western Europe during the 75th and 80th anniversaries of D-Day. “I was so incredibly proud to see my husband play on the beaches of Normandy as they honored the surviving veterans of World War II,” she says. “That experience deepened Joe’s lifelong respect for service and sacrifice. Themes that continue to shape his approach to teaching and leadership today.”
As Joe Polenzani’s career with the Franklin Fire Department draws to a close, his dedication to leadership, education, and firefighter safety remains unwavering. He looks forward to new endeavors and to returning to the hobbies that have always brought him joy: music, travel, and time with family.
“Joe’s impact on this department will be felt for decades,” says Greg Wild. “He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just teach skills. He changes the way people see themselves and what they’re capable of.”
Though his chapter at Franklin Fire is ending, the lessons he’s shared, the people he’s mentored, and the legacy he’s built will continue to burn brightly in the hearts of those who served beside him.