MATTHEW MAKAR
Fort Myers
Summary
Accomplished fire service leader with over 16 years of progressive experience at the City of Cape Coral Fire Department (CCFD) and seven years on USAR Task Force Six command staff. Demonstrates excellence in firefighting operations, emergency management, training design, and multi-disciplinary program development. Proven ability to lead, mentor, and transform teams, including key command roles in technical rescue and hazardous materials management. Career supported by advanced degrees, executive certifications, and extensive incident command experience.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Engineer/Paramedic
Cape Coral Fire Department
01.2022 - Current
- ALS care, mentoring new personnel, safety protocols, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Safety Officer
USAR Task Force Six
01.2022 - Current
- Oversaw all personnel safety during training, exercises, and deployments; enforced safety policies and accountability.
Hazmat Manager
USAR Task Force Six
01.2022 - Current
- Managed Hazmat specialists, developed tactical plans, ensured operational safety, PPE, and compliance.
Instructor
Southwest Florida Public Service Academy
01.2018 - Current
- Search, survival, and forcible entry; developed personalized learning and led live fire exercises.
Field Training Officer – Hazmat/Fire
Cape Coral Fire Department
01.2017 - Current
- Developed and implemented education programs for 55 Hazmat team members, delivered onboarding for 243 CCFD members.
Acting Lieutenant of Training
Cape Coral Fire Department
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Oversaw training ops, developed curricula, coordinated training for all department personnel.
Firefighter/Paramedic
Cape Coral Fire Department
01.2008 - 01.2022
- Responded to 30,000+ calls. Proficient in fire suppression, search and rescue, EMS, and team management.
Education
PhD (In Progress) - Fire Administration & Emergency Management
Oklahoma State University
Master of Emergency & Crisis Management - undefined
University of Central Florida
Master of Public Administration - undefined
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Applied Science - Public Safety Administration
Florida Southwestern State College
Associate of Science - Emergency Medical Technology
Florida Southwestern State College
Skills
- Microsoft Teams
- Windows/Mac OS
- ImageTrend
- PSTRAX
- EMOS
- SARCOP
- Tablet Command
- Policy Development
- Program Management
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
- CPSE Credentialed Chief Training Officer (2025)
- CPSE Credentialed Fire Officer (2024)
- Fire Officer III
- Fire Instructor III
- Fire Safety Inspector I
- Health and Safety Officer
- Incident Safety Officer
- Safety Officer
- Group Crisis Intervention
- Assisting Individuals in Crisis
- IAFF Peer Supporter
- L-984: NIMS ICS All-Hazards Task Force/Strike Team Leader
- L-960: NIMS ICS Task Division Group Supervisor
- L-958: NIMS ICS Operations Section Chief
- Hazardous Materials Technician
- FLUSAR Rescue Specialist
- Firefighter II
- NIMS ICS 100/200/300/400/700/800
- FEMA Professional Development Series
AWARDS
Company Citation (x2), Phoenix Award, Firefighter of the Year
Timeline
Acting Lieutenant of Training
Cape Coral Fire Department
05.2024 - 05.2025
Engineer/Paramedic
Cape Coral Fire Department
01.2022 - Current
Safety Officer
USAR Task Force Six
01.2022 - Current
Hazmat Manager
USAR Task Force Six
01.2022 - Current
Instructor
Southwest Florida Public Service Academy
01.2018 - Current
Field Training Officer – Hazmat/Fire
Cape Coral Fire Department
01.2017 - Current
Firefighter/Paramedic
Cape Coral Fire Department
01.2008 - 01.2022
Master of Emergency & Crisis Management - undefined
University of Central Florida
Master of Public Administration - undefined
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Applied Science - Public Safety Administration
Florida Southwestern State College
Associate of Science - Emergency Medical Technology
Florida Southwestern State College
PhD (In Progress) - Fire Administration & Emergency Management
Oklahoma State University