A longtime Amarillo firefighter, once commended for heroism, has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest on a felony domestic violence charge.
According to Randall County court records, Joseph William Clement, 35, was arrested early Friday, July 25, on one count of assault of a family or household member by impeding breath or circulation—a third-degree felony under Texas law. The charge typically indicates an accusation of choking or strangulation of a family member.
Clement was booked into the Randall County Jail at 5:11 a.m. that morning. As of Thursday, July 31, the Amarillo Fire Department confirmed he is currently on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the legal process.
In a written statement issued Thursday, the department stated:
The Amarillo Fire Department is aware of the recent arrest of one of its members, who is currently on administrative leave. While we cannot comment on the ongoing legal matter, we hold all personnel to high standards of conduct both on and off duty. As a civil service department under Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code, we are following all required procedures. We remain committed to maintaining the public’s trust and the integrity of our department.
Details of the incident have not been released, and there has been no public information provided about the alleged victim or any injuries involved. Under Texas law, a third-degree felony is punishable by two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Clement has been with the Amarillo Fire Department since March 2011, following his graduation from the Amarillo College Fire Academy in 2009. He previously served as a volunteer firefighter with Potter County Fire Rescue.
In 2021, Clement was recognized with the Chief's Commendation after helping to stop a potential terrorist attack. On July 26, 2021, he and three other firefighters responded to reports of an explosion on Lenwood Drive. The firefighters encountered Erfan Salmanzadeh, who initially claimed he was blowing up an Xbox. Their actions prompted the involvement of the Amarillo Police Department Bomb Squad, which later uncovered Salmanzadeh’s plan to target Tascosa High School. Salmanzadeh was ultimately sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison.
At this time, the fire department has not confirmed whether Clement will return to duty, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
