The Holland Department of Public Safety – Fire Services Division is proud to announce that Firefighter-EMT Matthew Jones has been selected as the department’s 2022 Firefighter of the Year. Firefighter Jones was nominated by his peers and selected by the department’s command officers to receive this distinguished honor. Beginning his career with the department in November 2019, Firefighter Jones is recognized for his consistently positive attitude and high degree of professionalism. He demonstrates this through the quality of his work and attention to continuous growth as a person and as a firefighter. He exercises the department’s core values of compassion, respect, integrity, professionalism, and dedication on a regular basis.
In addition to his primary responsibilities, Firefighter Jones serves as a member of the department’s Community Involvement Unit. This unit provides public fire safety education, child passenger safety seat inspections, fire extinguisher training, and many other safety related services to the community. As part of his efforts, Firefighter Jones led the development of an address program where community members that need high visibility address signs can purchase them through the department.
In addition to numerous certifications and credentials, Firefighter Jones has earned an Associate Degree in Arts and Science from Phoenix University and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Purdue University Global. Prior to beginning his career with the department, Firefighter Jones served in the United States Army for 20 years as a Medic and Assistant Inspector General; retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. He also served as a firefighter with the Allendale Fire Department, where he is still a member.