Captain Joseph M. Liedel, who served with the Monroe Township Fire Department in Monroe, Michigan, for close to 30 years, died on Sunday, August 23, 2020, after falling ill on July 31, 2020, while responding to an emergency call.

Coming from a firefighting background, his father and his uncle retired after 30 years from the City of Monroe Fire Department.

In his youth, Joe was involved in the fire explorer training program through Monroe Township. When he came of age, he proudly joined the ranks as a firefighter. He selflessly responded to tens of thousands of incidents in Monroe County. Joe, along with other Monroe firefighters, traveled to New York City to assist at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has served as a firefighter, lieutenant, and most recently as captain. His achievements also included completion of Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I and II, and Ice Water Rescue.

The brotherhood in the fire service can only be explained by a firefighter. It’s a feeling you can’t explain; it’s in your heart and soul. It is a love of the job and the people who make it up. It has a direct impact on your blood family and your fire family. Joe was a firefighter for 28 years.

Thank you for your service, Captain Joseph M. Liedel.