STATEWIDE – Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Josh Matthews has been selected as Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year for the Southern Regional Office. His supervisor and regional commander, Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal John Nelson, nominated him. The Southern Regional Office comprises Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties.
Starting as a summer intern during his studies at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, Matthews quickly demonstrated dedication and passion for fire investigation and public safety. During his internship, he actively participated in various aspects of the agency’s operations, including observing fire scenes, attending court proceedings, and shadowing deputies throughout investigations. This experience laid the foundation for his hiring as a Deputy State Fire Marshal in 2018.
“His commitment to Southern Maryland and the entire state is commendable, evident in his extensive involvement in fire and explosive investigations. In 2023 alone, Senior Deputy Matthews was the primary investigator in 22 fire and explosive investigations while assisting in 38 cases. His contributions proved instrumental in resolving criminal cases, including the arrest of a 21-year-old individual on charges related to arson and property destruction.” said Nelson on Matthews’s achievements
Matthews has been accepted as part of the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office Bomb Squad. He was selected to join the elite unit through an application and interview process and started his additional duties in 2023. Matthews has taken part in Bomb Squad monthly training, assisted at demonstrations, and deployed the Southern Regional Bomb Truck when requested. Later this year, he will attend the six-week FBI hazardous device school in Alabama to become certified as a bomb technician. Matthews will have additional on-call duties and travel across the state to assist with potential explosive incidents when needed.
Nelson commended Matthews’s participation in several community events held throughout the year. “He is always willing to assist in public demonstrations and public safety events as needed and regularly participates in the Shop with a Cop program and Community Risk Reduction programs held throughout the year.”
Matthews will join other investigators chosen throughout the state for the 2023 James C. Robertson Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year Award. The award will be presented next week during Acting State Fire Marshal Mowbray’s Annual Report at the Maryland State Fireman’s Association 132nd Convention and Conference in Ocean City.
