Joe began his career with the Meridian Fire Department in 1999 as a volunteer. He earned his EMT Basic and Firefighter I certification within the first year and was hired full-time as a firefighter in 2003. He rose to the rank of Captain and in 2014 became a Captain of Fire Inspection. In 2017, he accepted the position of Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention. Joe has his Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, holds certifications as a Certified Fire Investigator from the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and he is also a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) with the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). He holds an International Code Council Inspector I and Inspector II certification. He is a Certified Fire Marshal (FM) with CPSE credentialing. He has won 2 awards from The Association of Idaho Cities and the Idaho Association of Fire Chiefs for his work in school safety.

Joe is married with two daughters. His oldest daughter is pursuing a medical career in Kirkland, Washington, and his youngest daughter is married and works for the State of Idaho. 

Email: jbongiorno@meridiancity.org