On this website you will find the biographies of many well-known individuals who lay claim to their Italian heritage and who have contributed to the advancement of humankind. However, there are millions of unsung individuals, sharing the same heritage contributing to their communities and the lives of others throughout our great country. In this section of our website we wish to acknowledge them. We find out about them through you. Feel free to nominate someone of Italian heritage whom you feel has made exemplary contributions to their community, particular in helping others.
Joe Fiorentino
Born in Chicago 1959 of Italian Descent. Where on Sunday Joe went to Church and had a Big Family Dinner. Joe with his Brother Mike and Sister Rita grew up eating spaghetti. Joe use to visit his cousins in the Italian Neighborhood near Grand and Halstead where his Aunt Marie, Cousins Jim and Jacklyn still live. Joe learned how to play football from his father Carmen who also was a great bocce ball player. Joe attended Roosevelt High School where he was Team Captain and a All-City Football Player at Roosevelt High School. In 1976 Joe had 21 tackles in a game and is still in the ISHA State record books. He was also inducted into the Roosevelt High School Sports Hall of Fame and received a Scholarship to attend the University of Evansville where he majored in Criminal Justice. Joe contribute his success to my lovely wife Heidi who is always by my side and is his number one fan who has even helped me train for my tournaments. A Cook County Deputy Sheriff , Black Belt and Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor. Joe wrote a article for Police Magazine with the hopes of helping fellow officers become more aware and safer while doing there job.
Joe has studied Martial Arts since 1977. Joe has trained with Shihan Eddie Yoshimura, Master Bob Shirmer, Sensei Keith and Sensei Duane Sharp who have made him great at martial arts. In 2008 Joe was the #1 Ranked Director Division Grappler in the Nation receiving a Plaque and Certificate. Joe has won 3 World Grappling Championship Belts , Joe has won in MMA, Pankration and Grappling Tournaments and has won over 50 fights . A 12 - Time NAGA (North American Grappling Association) and 3- Time Mid West Jiu- Jitsu Tournament Champion. In 2009 Joe was inducted into The United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame on Aug. 1, 2009. Joe was honored with a Proclamation Certificate by The Village of Lyons for my contributions to the community. Joe use my skills to volunteer to teach others self defense to cubscouts, boyscouts and fellow officers. Joe was honored to serve as Principal for a Day at Peterson Elementary a mentor program for the Chicago Public School. Joe teaches self defense to kids and sponsors low income kids on Peterson Judo Team to try to keep them fit and off the streets.
Joe is a longtime Blood Donor. Joe have helped the Homeless and many charities and has given to Feed The Children for over 15 yrs. Made a large donation to help Roosevelt High School for the purchase of much needed new football equipment helmets and uniforms. Joe was happy to adopted 3 homeless cats. Joe is a member of Neighborhood Watch in Lyons. Joe am a member of many Italian American organizations, The Italian American Police Association where He serves on the Board of Directors and UNICO where Joe attends monthly meetings, National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, OSIA and NIAF. Joe is also a State Director for the International Martial Arts Council of America. These Organization try to help improve Life for the Italian American community as well as other communities . Joe and Heidi believe in helping others is a way of Life. Joe has been featured in over 25 different Magazines, Newsletters, Newspapers and Web-sites including FRA NOI, Desplaines Valley News, Fightsport , Ultimate MMA, Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper, FightZone, Amici, Police Magazine, American Police Beat Magazine and The NAGA and NRLO web-sites.
Joe was awarded The Presidents Volunteer Service Award from President Obama receiving a Gold President`s Pin. The NRLO Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. The American Police Knights of Justice Award. Joe was given a United States Deputy Sheriff Association Commendation Citation for going above and beyond the call of duty. Joe currently lives in Lyons, Il with lovely wife Heidi working as a Cook County Deputy Sheriff External Operations Unit he continues to train and teach Martial Arts and Fight in Grappling Tournaments. On May 1, 2010 Joe will be inducted into the Italian American National Hall of Fame.
