10/19/2026
Meet a Member Monday!
This week, we're introducing Firefighter Joey Bartoletti. Joey as spent 10 years in the fire service, including his time as a volunteer, with the last 3 years here at the Indian Beach Fire Department.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Joey chose North Carolina feeling that we needed a just a few more Italians... Seriously, after leaving the Marine Corps in 2016, he decided to stick around Eastern North Carolina and hasn't looked back since. The fire service has always been a part of who he is. His father retired from FDNY, and when asked what inspired him to pursue this career a simple "It's in my blood" was his answer.
We are very lucky to have found Bartoletti, or Bart, at our organization. He never stays in the same place for more than five minutes, so we got REALLY lucky to have just found him to tell him we had an opening. He's always moving, always learning, and always "axing" questions. He's the kind of firefighter who raises his hand first during reps, volunteers for the toughest tasks, and doesn't shy away from something just because he hasn't done it before.
What makes Bart such a valuable part of our team isn't just his work ethic, but his attitude. He rarely complains, never hesitates to help, and has a way of making 48 hours feel like 12. Now, that may have something to do with the endless supply of inconvenient pranks he pulls throughout the day, but we've learned to appreciate them. There's a balance between taking the job seriously and not taking yourself too seriously, and Bart understands it well. He brings energy, humor, and a genuine desire to improve each day. More importantly, he's someone you know will have your back when things get difficult, whether that's through words of encouragement, a few heartfelt jokes about your appearance, or by rolling up the sleeves on his 3XL and getting to work right beside you.
We asked Bartoletti a few questions:
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Jiu-jitsu, high calorie running, camping, and I'm a BIG Disney guy, but mostly spending time with my wife and dogs.
What do you enjoy most about the communities we serve?
It's a small community, and you get to know everyone. It makes this job even more rewarding.
What safety advice do you have for our residents?
Don't be scared or embarrassed to call 911. We are here for YOU!
What advice would you give someone wanting to join the fire service?
Get your EMT certificate first. It makes beginning the best job in the world that much easier.
That last part, "best job in the world," says a lot about Joey and the way he approaches each day he's on shift. His enthusiasm for the job is genuine and palpable to the people working around him. Whether it's through his inspiration or his perspiration, heavy on the perspiration, Joey is going to find a way to contribute to the IBFD. He understands that being a good firefighter isn't about having all the answers, rather being eager to learn, willing to ask questions, and show up for the people counting on you.
We're proud to have Firefighter Bartoletti at our organization and appreciate the work ethic, humor, loyalty, and commitment he brings to his crew and our community.
Let's hear it for Long Island Joey!
