Matthew Watson is a seasoned fire and emergency services leader with over 30 years of
distinguished service. He served as Staff Chief of Operations at CAL FIRE and oversaw
the integration of Incident Management Teams (IMTs) with Sacramento headquarters,
driving operational excellence through policy development, strategic planning, and
collaboration across diverse teams.
Previously, Matthew held pivotal roles as Division Chief and Battalion Chief within CAL
FIRE. His leadership led to establishing two fire stations, staffing increases, and
introducing advanced fire safety programs. A trailblazer in hazardous materials
management, he played a key role in elevating Haz-Mat Teams to a Type-1 response level.
Matthew is recognized for his expertise in emergency operations management, policy
development, budget oversight, and public safety education. He has managed
multimillion-dollar budgets and spearheaded equipment replacement programs, ensuring
operational readiness and resource optimization.
In addition to his operational roles, Matthew has contributed to community safety
through fire prevention initiatives and stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration
with local governments and law enforcement. His credentials include certifications in
fire prevention, hazardous materials, and emergency vehicle operations.
A lifelong learner and mentor, Matthew holds an Associate of Arts in Fire Technology and
has completed advanced training in leadership, incident management, and wildland fire
operations. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives,
property, and natural resources.