Joe Paul Glad was born in Blythe, CA, on October 31, 1945. He was residing in Tahlequah, OK at the time of his passing.

Joe was a machinist for the Cherokee Nation Fire Dancers. Since 1988 the Cherokee Nation Fire Dancers / OK NA Forest Firefighter organization has provided a valuable service in the suppression of wildfires across the country. In 15 years of firefighting, Cherokee Firedancers have earned an outstanding reputation and the respect of wildland management agencies throughout the United States.