05/22/2026
🔥 Firefighter Friday with Center Point Fire District! 🔥
The next firefighter we would like to highlight is Lieutenant Matthew Crow. 🚒 👏
Matt has been a firefighter for 13 years, and “all 13 years have been proudly spent with Center Point Fire District,” he shares. He has also previously served with Palmerdale Fire and Oneonta Fire, and currently serves with Vestavia Hills Fire Department as well.
Recently, Matt transitioned from shift work to day shifts at the Administrative Office, where he now serves as the EMS Officer. In addition to his paramedic license, he holds several instructor certifications along with numerous fire service specialty certifications. While no longer working shift schedules, one tradition he especially enjoyed with his crew was their large Sunday brunches.
As an Army veteran, Matt’s interest in the fire service was heavily influenced by his military service. Serving as an infantryman and completing two tours in Iraq, he witnessed situations most people will never experience in a lifetime. He recalls, “After leaving the military, I wanted to continue helping people in high-stress, critical environments. Initially, my goal was to become a Paramedic so I could have the highest level of medical training possible.” While in school, Matt realized the fire service offered not only the opportunity to serve others, but also the strong sense of camaraderie he had deeply missed from the Army.
Matt hopes the community understands that the job involves far more than waiting on calls. Behind the scenes, the workload is demanding and continuous. “The fire service is constantly evolving, and staying current requires an ongoing commitment to training and education in both firefighting and prehospital medicine.”
Looking back on his first day in the service, Matt says he would tell himself to find balance. He explains, “Work hard at learning the job and mastering the craft, but don’t let it consume your entire life. You must find a balance—be reliable, proficient, and dedicated, but not at the expense of your home life.”
Outside of work, Matt jokes that “Most of my time is spent being my son’s personal Uber.” Between baseball, football, and wrestling, he says their family stays busy. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and stepdaughter, who is often found on the volleyball court.
Two of the biggest lessons Matt has learned throughout his career are humility and understanding. “Over time, you realize how differently circumstances affect people. What may seem minor to one person can be catastrophic to another,” he explains. “I’ve also learned that no matter how long you’ve been in this profession, there is always something new to learn. The job is constantly changing, and adapting is essential to staying relevant.”
When reflecting on his most memorable moments in the fire service, Matt says they are the times when someone survives an incident they otherwise may not have without intervention. He adds with a smile, “Many of the funniest moments, however, stay within the firehouse walls.”
Matt describes himself as a very straightforward person: “What you see is what you get.” Through his years of service, leadership, and dedication to continual growth, Matt continues to make an impact both within the department and in the community he serves! 🚨🧯
