The Collierville Fire Department is proud to announce the promotion of Joe Lee Rape to EMS Chief, a role he steps into with over two decades of service and a lifelong connection to the fire service.

A Collierville native and graduate of Collierville High School (1998), Chief Rape represents the third generation in his family to wear a firefighter uniform. His grandfather founded the Forest Hill Volunteer Fire Department after serving in WWII and Korea, and his father retired as Division Chief of Operations from the Shelby County Fire Department.

"I’ve been around it my whole life," Chief Rape said. "I grew up in fire stations."

After completing training at the Texas A&M Fire School, Chief Rape began his career with the Horn Lake Fire Department before joining Collierville Fire and Rescue in 2001. Over the past 24 years, he has served in nearly every frontline role — from firefighter to lieutenant — and for the last 17 years was stationed at Fire House Number 5.

Chief Rape giving a hands on demonstration to Leadership Collierville.

Chief Rape is also a member of Tennessee Task Force One, a federal Urban Search and Rescue team, and has been deployed to major disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and tornado responses in Oklahoma, Kentucky, and most recently, Selmer, Tennessee. His current role with the team is Rescue Team Manager.

Stepping into the EMS Chief position, Chief Rape acknowledges the shift in modern fire service. “EMS makes up about 85% of what we do now. This role is a chance to help shape the future of our department and continue delivering high-quality care to everyone in Collierville,” he said.

He’s also focused on recruitment, retention, and supporting the next generation of emergency responders. "We have to be highly trained, give great customer service, and keep finding ways to improve,” Chief Rape noted. “The community deserves that.”

Married for 19 years with three children, Chief Rape still lives in Collierville and remains deeply involved in local youth sports and leadership programs, including Leadership Collierville. “This Town raised me. Now I get to give back — not just as a firefighter, but as a neighbor, coach, and a leader,” he said.

Chief Rape is pictured with his wife, Jennifer, and their children.

As he transitions from shift work to leadership, Chief Rape says he's most excited about supporting firefighter paramedics and being someone they depend on for support.

“It’s about making a difference — every call, every day,” he said.

Chief Rape reading a story to students at Collierville Elementary School.