Matthews started his career as a firefighter in 1990 and was promoted to engineer in 1995.

Matthews says his desire to help people and learn how to use firefighting equipment prompted him to apply for the department.

"It took about five years of submitting applications before I was hired in 1990," he said.

Matthews said his most memorable call was a vehicle accident on Samsonite Boulevard.

"At the time, we did not have the extrication tools that we have today. All we had was a hand tool. The man was pinned in the car and the car was on fire," Matthews said. "The department had been trying to get extrication equipment at that point, but did not have it yet, and unfortunately, the man did not make it."

He said along with the addition of extrication (tools included), the medical services MFRD provides have also evolved during his career. As for the future, Matthews believes the department will continue to progress in the services it provides to the citizens and visitors of Murfreesboro.

As for plans post-retirement, Matthews plans to spend more time with his wife and daughter and work on his farm.