Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Joe Piersante grew up in Detroit, Michigan, in a loving and supportive family that instilled in him the values of hard work and discipline. As a child, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, often playing war games and sports. His passion for athletics led him to play football, baseball, and hockey, continuing football through his college years.
Piersante’s desire to serve others and be part of a team environment inspired him to become a First Responder. He began his career with the Detroit Police Department in 1993 before joining the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1997. Throughout his service, he found fulfillment in helping people who had lost their way in life.
His dedication and courage were recognized early in his career, earning him two department citations for bravery while serving with the Detroit Police Department. As a DEA agent, he received several prestigious honors, including the Congressional Badge of Bravery, the Congressional Medal for the Defense of Freedom, and the Tickle the Wire Fed of the Year Award.
Piersante’s career was profoundly impacted when he sustained a life-altering injury from a belt-fed machine gun round to his head, resulting in a frontal lobe injury and blindness. Despite these challenges, he continues to live with resilience and determination. He and his fiance, Leslie, share a commitment to public speaking, focusing on PTSD awareness and wellness.
Piersante also enjoys bodybuilding, hunting, and watching sports. He credits the support from Tunnel to Towers for making his daily life more manageable.
Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Joe Piersante exemplifies strength, perseverance, and a deep commitment to those around him. His personal motto reflects his unwavering spirit: “When facing life’s adversity, never give up—always stay in the fight.”
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has renovated Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Joe Piersante’s home into a specially-adapted smart home through the Smart Home Program.