Former Danville firefighter arrested for domestic violence

DANVILLE, Indiana – The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a recently retired Danville firefighter on domestic violence charges on June 20.

According to court documents, officers responded to a disturbance at a Danville residence around 4:09 p.m. There they found 39-year-old Joseph Gourley – an employee of the Danville Fire Department from July 2023 until his resignation on Saturday – sitting in the front yard, apparently intoxicated.

JCSO officers reported speaking with Gourley’s soon-to-be ex-wife. She said Gourley rang the doorbell and tried to get into the house. The woman attempted to hold the door closed, and Gourley kicked the door several times, causing it to crack. Court documents allege the woman’s struggle to hold the door closed resulted in her receiving marks on her knees, wrist and arm. She showed no signs of intoxication.

Although the couple is not yet officially divorced, Gourley has been living apart from his wife for several months, police said. According to Gourley, his wife had attacked him several times when he tried to enter the house. He claims he “…forced his way into the house without touching her” and told officers, “…he still has a right to be there since they are still married.”

According to court documents, one of Gourley’s neighbors told officers he came to the residence two days in a row. Gourley reportedly reached out to his wife with his arms, grabbed her by one leg and one arm as if he wanted to lift her, and threatened to throw her off the porch.

The JCSO said Gourley’s wife had a restraining order against her and was instructed not to allow him to be in her home.

Based on all of this information, an officer arrested Gourley for domestic violence. He was taken to the Johnson County Jail without incident, police wrote. The JCSO is still investigating this case, but no charges are currently being filed against Gourley’s wife.

A mug shot of Gourley is not yet available.