08/03/2026
๐ The Byron Fire Department is proud to recognize Firefighter Matt Brekke for his many years of dedicated service to our community. Matt has served on multiple fire departments throughout his career and recently returned to the Byron Fire Department, bringing with him decades of experience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to helping others. His story is a reminder that serving the community is not only about answering calls, but rather about being there when your neighbors need you most. ๐
๐จโ๐ What inspired you to become a firefighter?
"When I first moved to Byron in 2002 and was working for the Public Works Department, I was encouraged to join the Byron Fire Department because I lived and worked in town. At the time, my wife and I had a young family, and after discussing it together, I felt a responsibility to help those in need. Since I was already in town during the day, I knew I could respond when most firefighters were unavailable. To date, it remains difficult to have firefighters around when those emergency calls come in.
It was also a great opportunity to become more involved in the community and get to know the people I served. Now, and after being away for 15 years, I am back for a second tour. Working for the City of Byron once again allows me to serve the community in this important role. "
๐ Looking back on your career, can you share a memorable or rewarding moment that reminded you why you love being a firefighter?
"During my career, I served seven years with the Byron Fire Department while also serving on the Mantorville Fire Department during my time working for the City of Mantorville Public Works Department.
Three major incidents have stayed with me throughout my career. The first was the Kirkland Fire, which occurred on one of the hottest days I can remember. The second was the Roller Rink Apartment Fire on a bitter February morning, when temperatures were nearly 15 degrees below zero. School buses were staged along 7th Street to provide firefighters with a place to warm up between assignments. The third was the Relay Station Fire in Mantorville, which remains the largest and most intense fire I have ever experienced.
Although each of these incidents was tragic, they revealed something extraordinary about the fire service. Departments from across the region responded without hesitation, working side by side with a single purpose: protecting lives, supporting one another, and serving the community. It did not matter what town was printed on our turnout gearโwe were one team. The teamwork, professionalism, and unwavering commitment I witnessed during those incidents, and continue to see whenever multiple departments respond together, are memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life."
๐ What lesson has had the greatest impact on you throughout your years in the fire service?
"One of the most valuable lessons I learned came from my first captain, Darrell Crawford. He often reminded new firefighters, "When our pagers go off, someone's day just became much worse."
That simple statement changed the way I viewed every emergency call. A silent pager is not something to be disappointed aboutโit means our community is safe. While we all join the fire service because we want to help others, every call begins with someone facing one of the most difficult moments of their life. Our responsibility is to bring calm, compassion, and professionalism, and to do everything we can to make that situation better.
Like many new firefighters, I was eager to respond to calls. Over time, I came to understand that the true purpose of this profession is not the excitement of the response, but the opportunity to serve others when they need us most. It is a lesson that has guided me throughout my career and one I now hope to pass on to every new firefighter who joins our department."
๐ ๏ธ How has your career with the City of Byron helped you become a more effective firefighter?
"Working for the City of Byron Utilities Department has given me a unique perspective that benefits me as a firefighter and our quick response. Because I know the community so well, I can quickly picture the location of an incident while responding and begin planning the safest and most effective approach. Before I arrive on scene, I am already thinking about the best route, water supply, apparatus placement, and any access challenges we may encounter.
My work has also given me firsthand knowledge of the town's infrastructure, including the locations of fire hydrants and the layout of neighborhoods and streets. Having that information before arriving on scene allows our crews to make informed decisions more quickly, and in the fire service, those first few moments can make all the difference."
๐ผ How does your primary employer support your dedication to serving the community as a volunteer firefighter?
"The City of Byron has always been incredibly supportive of employees who choose to serve with the Byron Fire Department, the Byron First Responders, or both. The City recognizes the vital role that volunteer emergency services play in our community and understands the importance of having responders available when emergencies happen. Because of that support, employees are encouraged to answer the call and are allowed to leave work immediately when an emergency response is needed.
That spirit of service extends well beyond responding to emergencies. Whenever the Fire Department or First Responders need assistance from the Public Works Department, every City department is willing to step in and help however they can. There is a genuine culture of teamwork and mutual support throughout the City, and I am grateful to be part of an organization that values serving the community in so many different ways."
โค๏ธ ๐ Thank you, Matt, for your unwavering service, dedication to the Byron community, and continued commitment to helping others. Your experience, leadership, and belief in teamwork embody the values of the Byron Fire Department. We are grateful to have you serving alongside us once again. ๐ โค๏ธ
