Matt Thomson

51, Male

Charleston, SC

United States

Profile Information:

Lives in:
Charleston, SC
Department:
City of Charleston
Title/rank:
Firefighter
Years of public service:
15
Agency structure:
Paid fire department
Top issues in your department:
SOPs, Training
Professional Qualifications:
NFPA FF III, Officer II, Instructor III, FG Hydraulics, VEVOC, Rescue Squad Ops, VA HAZ MAT Tech, US DOI Wildland FF, NFPA 1403 Instructor, Swift Water Rescue, BS Fire Service Admin.
Bio:
I began as a volunteer at the McLean VFD in Fairfax County, VA in 1989. I acted as an adjunct instructor at the Fairfax County Fire Training Academy from 1993-1996. In June of 1996 I moved to Charleston, SC where I took a position as a full-time firefighter. I left the CFD in 2005 for another career field. November of 2008 I returned to the CFD, riding the bucket on L-1.

Comment Wall:

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  • Dave Gallagher

    Matt, those types make themselves known quickly. I even had a guy that if he knew there was a fire training/drill on that day, he would take time off. He never could answer me as to why...
    Anyway, start a drill in the bay without them. Start it by yourself if you have to. Lay some tools on the floor and tie knots on them. Do a SCBA don and doff drill, low profile, etc. When you start making some noise, others will wander out just because we're all nosy and afraid we'll be missing something. When your problem eventually comes out, they'll probably try and take over and tell you what you're doing wrong. Have them show you, and then afterward ask them what was the best training they ever had. When the tell you, have them conduct that drill next time.

    Jan 16, 2009

  • Anthony Avillo

    hi matt
    glad u enjoyed our stuf

    re: the video -- i found it either on youtube or in the videos on this site
    it is from terre haute indiana -- that might narrow down your youtube search
    good luck
    stay safe
    a

    Apr 29, 2009

  • JJ Blaker

    Hi Matt
    The video is not mine I found it on youtube, but I thought it was a great vent video so I had to put it on here. If you ever have any good vent training stuff I could use for my small volunteer dept. let me know. We need good vent training here.

    May 1, 2009