Matthews Fire & EMS

06/04/2026

Do you know that there is an app where you can be alerted to cardiac arrest calls that occur in non-residential settings near you? The same company also has an app that will tell you where AED’s are located near you. PulsePoint Foundation has these apps and they are FREE! Learn CPR!! Download PulsePoint Respond and PulsePoint AED!! SAVE A LIFE!

06/01/2026

The dangers of these batteries isn’t discussed enough. Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries are energy-dense and safe under normal conditions. However, when mishandled, damaged, or defective, they pose severe dangers, including thermal runaway, toxic fumes, explosive fires, and severe chemical burns. Please read this post and click the link from Mecklenburg County Government to learn about proper disposal.

05/31/2026

Every year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival, yet many victims do not receive help before emergency responders arrive.

This National CPR & AED Awareness Week, take a few minutes to learn a skill that could save a life.

❤️ Call 911
❤️ Start Hands-Only CPR
❤️ Use an AED if one is available

You don’t have to be a doctor, nurse, or firefighter to make a difference. When cardiac arrest happens, the actions of ordinary people in the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

We encourage everyone to learn CPR, know where AEDs are located in your workplace and community, and be prepared to act when seconds matter.

Your hands can save a life. Your courage can change a family’s future.

05/29/2026

Chief Kinniburgh is pleased to announce the promotion of Clayton Durden to the rank of Captain, effective June 7, 2026.

Clayton has been a member of Matthews since July 2015, starting as a volunteer, and was hired as a career member in April of 2018. During his time with Matthews, Clayton has been involved with many initiatives and programs, including managing the department's radio assets, developing the department's Awards and Medals program, and participating on the previous SET Team and the mission, vision, and values work that led to the new town-wide employee recognition program "CIVIC".

Clayton has an Associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology from CPCC and is enrolled the UNC-Charlotte Fire-Rescue Management Institute.

Please join us in congratulating Captain Durden!

05/29/2026

One hour of your day could change the rest of someone’s life. One hour. That’s it!! Learn CPR. Become proficient with an AED. Class is FREE for anyone.

05/28/2026

One hour of your day, could make the difference in someone’s life! This free class is a quick, hands on, training session where you will learn hands only CPR and how to use an AED.

Be prepared to make a difference when seconds matter most. This one-hour community safety class provides hands-on training in Hands-Only CPR, AED use, and basic fire extinguisher operation, giving participants practical skills that can help save lives before emergency responders arrive. More than 35...

05/26/2026

We’re proud to congratulate Battalion Chief Ryan Hanes on earning his Master’s Degree in Leadership and Organizational Dynamics from the University of Michigan. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and leadership he brings to Matthews Fire & EMS every single day.

Beyond having what is considered the most epic mustache in the department, Chief Hanes has played a major role in shaping our organization through training initiatives, implementation of new equipment, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. His influence extends far beyond his shift and continues to impact the entire department in meaningful ways.

Please join us in congratulating Battalion Chief Hanes on this monumental achievement. Your Matthews Fire & EMS family is proud of you, Chief! Chief Hanes is pictured here with his wife Caitlyn, who is also a dedicated Town of Matthews Employee in our Parks and Recreation Department. .