HICKORY, NC (January 7, 2019) — Hickory City Manager Warren Wood has appointed Matt Hutchinson to be the City of Hickory’s next Fire Chief. Wood stated, “After receiving more than 60 applications from all across the country for the position and after conducting numerous interviews, it became clear that Matt Hutchinson was both the best qualified and suited candidate to lead our Fire Department in the direction we need to go. Chief Hutchinson is fortunate in that he will have a group of highly trained and highly motivated fire personnel to assist him in moving the department forward.”
Hutchinson began his firefighting career as a volunteer firefighter, and in 2003, he was hired as a full-time firefighter with the Hickory Fire Department. He moved through the ranks, eventually serving as Battalion Chief over Logistics, and is currently Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal over the Fire & Life Safety Division.
Hutchinson has certifications as a Fire Service Instructor Level II, Level II Firefighter, Fire & Life Safety Educator I-III, and Technical Rescuer through the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission. Hutchinson continues to maintain his certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician and as a Fire Inspector. He is currently working to obtain his certification as a Certified Fire Investigator. In 1994, he graduated from UNC-Asheville with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. In December 2008, he completed his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Appalachian State University.
In April 2017, Hutchinson completed the prestigious four-year Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy (NFA). He has North Carolina Fire Officer I, II, & III certifications, Incident Command System 100-400 certifications, and the Chief 101 certification. Hutchison is also a graduate of the Fire and Rescue Management Institute through UNC-Charlotte, which provides instruction in leadership, team building, management skills, strategic planning, communication skills, and personnel management. The program is designed to prepare participants to become more effective in the increasingly challenging and complex world of fire and rescue management.
Chief Hutchinson stated, “I am excited to be chosen to lead this exceptional department and to continue to work with City Management to provide the best emergency services possible to Hickory citizens. I am eager to lead our employees in a transparent and innovative environment. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as the Fire Chief in the community I grew up in.”
Hutchinson lives in Hickory with his wife, Millie, and daughter, Rebecca, and son, Matthew. They attend First United Methodist Church in Granite Falls. In his free time, he and his family serve in missions locally and abroad.
Chief Hutchinson will start in his new role effective immediately.