The Forward Firefighter Podcast

Episode 22

Chief Joe Knitter

South Milwaukee, WI  (Ret.)


Understanding Restaurant Fires & Cancer Prevention

Chief Joe Knitter is a 38-year veteran of the South Milwaukee, Wisconsin Fire Department,   where he served as Chief for the last 10 years. He is currently the Interim Fire Chief at the South Shore Fire Department, which protects the Villages of Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant in southeast Wisconsin.


Chief Knitter is renowned for his class, “Fighting Fires in Fast Food Restaurants” which he has presented at numerous locations, including FDIC. In this episode, Chief Knitter discusses what you need to know before responding to a restaurant fire in your community.


Chief Knitter, a cancer survivor, is also very passionate about cancer prevention in the fire service. In this episode, hear his story and gain valuable advice for all firefighters.