With a career spanning over 17 years for the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Joseph Dupee had always known that he wanted to be a part of the fire service.  His career in the fire service truly began when he worked as a volunteer cadet for the Ventura County Fire Department in 1977.  While working for the Los Angeles Fire Department, he served as an engineer for over 10 years.  Known as a dedicated man to his church, family, and fire department, Joe was highly respected and loved by all who knew him.  He passed away in 1998 when the roof of a burning commercial building caved in on him before he could escape.