The City of Gainesville selected Joseph “Shawn” Hillhouse as its next fire chief after a nationwide search, according to a Thursday press release. He will officially assume the role June 9.
Hillhouse has been with Gainesville Fire Rescue since 2003, serving as interim fire chief since November. Over his 22-year career, he also held the positions of fire marshal, assistant fire chief and deputy fire chief.
The nationwide search began with 27 candidates before narrowing to three finalists, Gainesville City Manager Cynthia W. Curry said in the press release.
“Chief Hillhouse knows this city, its people and its fire department inside and out,” Curry said. “He’s led in every corner of the organization and brings a strong, forward-thinking approach to keeping our community safe.”
Hillhouse earned a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services from UF’s Rinker School of Construction Management and a master’s degree in homeland security from the Naval Postgraduate School.
As fire chief, the Live Oak, Florida, native will oversee nine Gainesville fire stations and about 190 personnel. He will also oversee the Community Resource Paramedicine program, which delivers medical and social services to high-need residents.
When former department leader Joseph Dixon resigned in September 2024, Hillhouse became interim chief and assumed leadership of IMPACT GNV, a city initiative aimed at reducing gun violence, according to the press release.
In addition to his role at GFR, he serves as an adjunct instructor for Santa Fe College’s EMT and paramedic program.
City of Gainesville Public Information Officer Rossana Passaniti said Hillhouse will be available for public comment during Mayor Harvey Ward’s media availability from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday in the City Hall auditorium.
A public swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled at a later date.
Contact Logan McBride at lmcbride@alligator.org. Follow him on X @LoganDMcBride.
Logan McBride is a journalism junior and the Summer 2025 city commission reporter. In his free time, he enjoys watching TV shows or playing basketball at Southwest Rec. He is also a big football fan and will die for Dak Prescott.
