05/22/2026
Member Spotlight: Captain John Raymond Bassett
The Mathews Volunteer Fire Department is proud to recognize Captain John Raymond Bassett as part of our member spotlight series.
Born on March 6, 1969, John Raymond is a lifelong resident of Gwynn’s Island and a graduate of Mathews High School. He later attended Chowan University, where he earned a degree in Graphic Communications. Growing up on the water, John Raymond began working on the water at just 8 years old, building a lifelong connection to the Chesapeake Bay and the community he calls home.
In 1998, he married the love of his life, Jan McDonald. Together, they have a daughter, Felicia Bassett Lane, a stepson, Johnny Bates, and two grandchildren, Lorraine and Jaxson.
At the age of 32, John Raymond experienced a life-changing event when he received a cochlear implant. That moment opened the door for him to pursue something he had always wanted to do: become a firefighter and medic so he could serve and protect others. He went on to become certified as both a Firefighter and NREMT-Intermediate and has served with Newport News Fire Department, Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, and Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad.
For the past 20 years, John Raymond has proudly served the citizens of Mathews County through MVFD. During that time, he has held several leadership roles, including Training Officer, Lieutenant 31, and now Captain 30 of MVFD Station 3. He also serves as Captain of the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department Maritime Incident Response Team, further showing his commitment to leadership, readiness, and service to the citizens and visitors of Mathews County.
His dedication and commitment were recently recognized when he was named the 2025 Mathews Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter of the Year. In that same year, his station was also recognized as the 2025 MVFD Station of the Year, a reflection of the hard work, leadership, and dedication shown by Captain Bassett and the members of Station 3.
The Mathews Volunteer Fire Department Maritime Incident Response Team was formed this past year and has already become a valuable part of our department’s response capabilities. The team was originally established and is home-based at MVFD Station 3 on Gwynn’s Island, making the island the foundation of this important program. With Gwynn’s Island’s strong connection to the water, Station 3 has become the home base for a team built to respond to maritime emergencies, rescue operations, and incidents on or around the waterways of Mathews County.
Alongside his Training Officer, John Raymond helped build this team from the ground up, putting countless hours of his own time, effort, and dedication into making the program successful. The creation of MIRT did not happen overnight. John Raymond put a great deal of blood, sweat, and tears into taking the department’s boat and helping equip, outfit, and prepare it with what was needed to become operational. His work went far beyond the regular duties of a volunteer firefighter. From planning and preparation to training and readiness, he has played a major role in helping ensure the team is prepared to respond when called upon.
Since its formation, the Mathews Maritime Incident Response Team has been deployed numerous times, including responses in support of the United States Coast Guard and the Port of Virginia. Through John Raymond’s leadership, preparation, and commitment, he has helped make sure this team is ready to support these agencies and serve as a reliable local resource during maritime emergencies.
In its first year, the success of the team has been a direct reflection of the dedication, leadership, and preparation put into it by John Raymond and those who have worked alongside him. He has also formed an exceptional leadership dynamic with his second-in-command and Training Officer, helping create a strong foundation to keep the team trained, organized, and ready to deploy when needed.
John Raymond has also attended the Todd Dooley Search and Rescue Forum twice. This weeklong training event brings together law enforcement, sheriff’s offices, fire departments, EMS agencies, and other emergency response professionals from across the region to share skills, train together, and put those skills to the test. His commitment to attending this type of advanced training shows his dedication not only to MVFD, but also to improving the level of service we can provide to the citizens and visitors of Mathews County.
To many on Gwynn’s Island, John Raymond is much more than a firefighter. Some even jokingly refer to him as the “Mayor of Gwynn’s Island,” because he is someone everyone seems to know, trust, and call when something needs to get done. He genuinely cares for the people of the island and is always willing to help his neighbors, friends, and family. Those who know him know he is dependable, loyal, and someone who will stand up for the people he cares about.
Outside of the fire department, John Raymond owns and operates his own lawn care business here in Mathews. He is also an avid hunter with a deep passion for the outdoors. Whether he is hunting, fishing, camping, working on the water, or spending time with family and friends, John Raymond has always had a strong connection to the land, the water, and the community around him.
Captain Bassett’s dedication, leadership, loyalty, and commitment to serving others are a true reflection of what it means to be part of the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department. He is not only a respected officer within MVFD, but also a trusted friend, neighbor, mentor, and community member to so many throughout Gwynn’s Island and Mathews County.
Thank you, Captain Bassett, for your continued service, leadership, and dedication to our department and community.
