NC Oklahoma News

(Stillwater, OK) — Capt. Matt Webb has been named 2022 Firefighter of the Year by the Stillwater Fire Department. Recipients of the departmental honor are nominated by fellow firefighters and chosen by a selection committee.

Webb was recognized for going beyond the expectations for his position, volunteering his personal time and taking initiative to help with special programs.

He worked with SFD fitness instructors on his own time to perform much-needed maintenance on exercise equipment at the fire stations and bring outdated equipment up to standard. He also stepped up to help the Fire Marshall’s Office when it wasn’t fully staffed and needed to prepare for Fire Prevention Week. Webb created a game show format to engage students.

“Matt developed the fire prevention program, coordinated assistance from other firefighters and delivered the program at every elementary school in Stillwater,” SFD Assistant Chief Brandon Halcomb said. “Matt is passionate about fire safety and it was fun to watch him present this important message at the schools.”

Webb was also recently recognized by Stillwater’s Hanner-Sharp American Legion Post 129 with a Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Public Service and received a Citation of Appreciation from Sen. Tom Dugger and the Oklahoma State Legislature for his leadership and work ethic.

Halcomb said SFD is proud of Webb and excited to see the American Legion and Sen. Dugger recognizing his contributions to the community.

He joined the Stillwater Fire Department in 2014, after working as a paramedic for LifeNet EMS and spending three years with the Winfield, KS fire department. He promoted to Lt. Medical Officer in 2015, Fire Lieutenant in 2021, and Captain in March 2023.

Webb could have taken a very different career path. His original plan to become a TV meteorologist led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. However, a summer spent responding to house fires, car wrecks and grass fires with the volunteer fire department back home in Maysville changed his course.

“I fell in love with it,” Webb said.

After experiencing the satisfaction that comes from helping people at critical times in their lives, Webb considered going into law enforcement but wound up volunteering with the Winfield Fire Department when he returned to college in the fall. With a new goal and a paid position opening up, he pushed himself to finish his degree early, while also completing the 12 hours of coursework he needed for EMT certification.

Webb spends his free time with his wife Megan and their 10-year-old twins Caxton and Braelynn. He volunteers on a fire and rescue truck at Texas Motor Speedway during race weekends.

Pictured: American Legion Post 129 Commander Jim Rutledge, SFD Capt. Matt Webb, and Sen. Tom Dugger.

Original source can be found here.