Queen Creek emergency management coordinator recognized for 25 years of service

Just the second employee to reach this milestone. Joe LaFortune, the Town of Queen Creek’s emergency management coordinator is being honored for serving the town for 25 years.

Mr. LaFortune started as a management intern in 1996 working for the town engineer. He has served in various capacities over 20 years, including management assistant, assistant to the town manager and Public Safety Division manager.

In 2010, Mr. LaFortune became the emergency management coordinator. He is responsible for planning and coordinating how the town will support first responders during emergency situations and has been a key liaison with county and state officials during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Mr. LaFortune obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arizona and a master’s in public administration from Arizona State University. He belongs to the Arizona City/County Management Association, the Arizona Emergency Services Association and the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Mr. LaFortune enjoys volunteering as a member of the 501^st Legion, an international costuming group based on "Star Wars" that participates in charity events and visits with hospitalized children.

Employees celebrating 15-year milestone anniversaries with the town in the first quarter of 2021 are:

• Luis Munoz, Public Works 
• Al Bonilla, Utilities