Chief Mathis highlights dedication, challenges, and future goals for Huntsville’s fire department in exclusive interview
Huntsville, TX — Fire Chief Greg Mathis, who has served the Huntsville Fire Department since 1988, shared his experiences and insights on the evolving demands of fire service, the importance of community support, and future needs in an exclusive interview. Mathis’s nearly four-decade career has been marked by his dedication to safety, education, and service in Huntsville.
Mathis described his initial steps into the fire service as serendipitous, starting as a volunteer with a friend. He quickly realized he had found his calling, eventually working his way up to chief. “Never in a million years dreamed that I would be in the position that I’m in,” Mathis shared, acknowledging the role of faith in his journey. “God had a plan, and it’s been a wonderful career.”
Over the years, Mathis has witnessed significant changes in fire service technology and equipment, with advancements that enhance firefighter safety and efficiency. “Fire trucks and gear have become more specialized and equipped to handle today’s unique challenges,” Mathis explained, mentioning that the department’s technology and vehicles are now “heavily regulated,” creating new procedures in their day-to-day operations.
Among his most memorable experiences, Mathis noted the importance of serving families during crisis situations and highlighted the use of pet oxygen masks donated by Magnolia Kennel in Huntsville. The masks, used in animal rescues, have been a valuable addition. “If we can save someone’s pet during a fire, it means a lot,” he said. Mathis recounted one instance of rescuing a small dog and the joy it brought to its owner who had lost nearly everything else in the fire. “Pets are family too, and these masks help us make a difference in those situations,” he added.
Mathis emphasized that the fire department’s scope goes beyond fires, encompassing various emergency responses, including rescues for cats, dogs, and even livestock. “We’ve rescued everything from dogs to alligators, and even snakes,” Mathis recalled with a smile. “We do whatever we can to help this community.”
As the city grows, so does the need for resources. The department currently operates four fire stations, two of which are fully staffed, but Mathis hopes to see future expansion. “We need to be proactive about growth and are planning for a new fire station in the northern part of town,” he explained, adding that they’ve applied for federal funding through the FEMA Safer Grant program to hire nine additional firefighters.
Mathis also touched on the upcoming challenges for the fire department, particularly with the rise of electric vehicle fires, which require specific equipment and procedures. “We have blankets to contain fires on electric vehicles,” he said, adding that these measures prevent toxic chemicals from spreading and protect firefighters as they address the blaze.
Reflecting on his dedicated team, Mathis remarked, “We have an amazing team who do the job for all the right reasons. It’s never about recognition, but about serving Huntsville.” He encouraged the community to engage with and support local firefighters, who face demanding shifts and respond to various emergencies day and night.
The Huntsville Fire Department celebrates its 100-year anniversary next year, with plans for a community event downtown.
