Knowing from a young age that he wished to become a firefighter, Matt joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1982. He rose through the ranks of the department, eventually being promoted to fire captain in 2003. Through his nearly 30-year career, Matt was respected among all ranks of the fire department, not only because of how dedicated he was in his duty to protect and serve others, but also for the way in which he served with honor and courage. He will be remembered as a man who loved his family, valued his friendships and enjoyed camping in the great outdoors. Matt died in 2013 after suffering a job-related heart attack.