From fire lines to patrol: Lovell’s newest officer brings decades of experience

Lovell’s newest police officer didn’t take a traditional path to law enforcement.

Officer Joe Haresky brings more than 25 years of experience as a firefighter, including time as a lieutenant with the U.S. Department of Defense, along with a lifetime connection to racing and a recent chapter driving NASCAR haulers across the country.

Now, he’s settling into a quieter life in the Big Horn Basin.

“I like it here,” Haresky said. “Coming from bigger cities, it’s fast-paced, a lot of stress. Here, it’s slower. More family time, more outdoors. It’s just a better place to be.”

Haresky grew up in Victorville, California, graduating high school in 1997. Within a year, he was hired by the Victorville Fire Department, launching what would become a decades-long career in emergency services.

After working as a city firefighter, he moved into a new opportunity with the Department of Defense, where he also served as a firefighter.

Over the next 25 years, he worked his way up to lieutenant and earned certifications at the division chief level, gaining experience in everything from structure fires and hazardous materials to medical response and rescue operations.

“In the fire service where I was, you did everything,” he said, “structure fires, brush fires, car accidents, hazmat, EMT work. You learn to handle whatever comes your way.”

Alongside his firefighting career, Haresky spent more than 20 years racing IMCA dirt modifieds, winning six championships. Though racing was never a full-time profession, it remained a major part of his life.

“It pays,” he said with a laugh, “but not enough to cover what you spend.”

After retiring from the Department of Defense, he stayed connected to the racing world, working with teams and eventually driving haulers for NASCAR Cup and Truck Series teams based in North Carolina.

But family ultimately brought him to Wyoming.

Haresky moved to Lovell to be closer to his parents, who relocated to the area about five years ago.

“My parents are getting a bit older,” he said. “I wanted to be closer and help out.”

The transition into law enforcement came unexpectedly. While visiting his parents, he met Lovell Police Officer Cody Clark, who lives nearby. A conversation about his background led to an opportunity.

“He asked if I wanted to work at the fire department, and I said no,” Haresky said. “Then he said, ‘Do you want to be an officer?’ I said, ‘All right, let’s try it.’”

After meeting with department leadership and completing the hiring process, he joined the Lovell Police Department. He will attend the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas this August for a 14-week training program.

Haresky lives in Lovell with his wife, Karen, and their two children. He also has another son and grandchild in Cheyenne.

Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time outdoors with his family. His children have already embraced small-town life, frequenting the local skate park and exploring the surrounding area.

He is also hoping to join the local search and rescue team, where his extensive background in technical rescue could be put to use.

“I’ve got high-angle, low-angle, all the rescue certifications,” he said. “I’d just like to help however I can.”

While the badge may be new, the mission feels familiar.

At its core, Haresky sees law enforcement as an extension of the same public service that defined his firefighting career.

“It’s still about helping people,” he said.

And in a community like Lovell, that commitment may be exactly what matters most.