Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Matthew McCracken

Matthew McCracken

Hamilton,AL

Summary

Experienced Fire Chief with a strong background in fire management and emergency response, dedicated to safeguarding communities through effective leadership and strategic planning. Proven track record in leading complex fire suppression and rescue operations, consistently ensuring community safety and operational excellence. Adept at navigating high-pressure situations with a focus on efficiency and resourcefulness. Committed to fostering team collaboration and continuous improvement in emergency preparedness.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Manager / Instructor

Alabama Personnel Standards Commission
01.2012 - Current
  • Program Manager / Instructor– Public Safety Telecommunicator program
  • Training public safety personnel across the state and nation.
  • Program Manager- Public Information/Media Relations Officer Program
  • Primarily instructing Fire, Law Enforcement, EMS, and Emergency Management personnel across Alabama
  • Adjunct Instructor, Regional test proctor for many Fire Service Programs
  • Conducted comprehensive program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
  • Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.

Firefighter/ Assistant Chief / Inspector / Investigator

Hamilton Fire Department
01.2007 - Current
  • Responsible for the day-to-day operations of our departments 10 full time employees and 20 volunteers.
  • Assists in training our department and nearby departments in fire service classes.
  • Worked with other departments, agencies, and governments to help in the development of training, and response plans.
  • Working with the Alabama Department of Homeland Security to design a working tabletop statewide exercise which will overload the states communication infrastructure.
  • Spent eight weeks in the EMA office during the 2011 tornadoes.
  • Promoted to Assistant Chief April 2013
  • Worked with local elected officials to coordinate public water distribution two different times during the water crisis in the city.
  • FAA part 107 licensed drone pilot

Director of Emergency Management

Marion County Commission
01.2002 - 01.2007
  • Worked 10 Presidentially declared disasters
  • Served on Local, State, National and International training, planning and legislative committees.
  • Communicated regularly with local elected officials, schools, emergency response agencies, and the public on impending threats.
  • Received status as Certified Local Emergency Manager
  • Collaborated with local agencies for effective disaster response, streamlining communication and coordination.
  • Increased public awareness on emergency procedures through educational programs and outreach events.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL
01-2023

General

Bevill State CC
Hamilton, AL
01-2013

Associate’s in applied science - Fire Science

Jefferson State CC
Birmingham, AL
01-2013

Skills

  • Decision-making
  • Team leadership
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Community outreach
  • Attention to detail
  • Performance monitoring
  • HAZMAT programs
  • Problem-solving

Interests

Serving my church, currently as Treasure, and Chairman of the Finance Team, Deacon, and coordinator of Deacon ministry for the Marion County Baptist Association, I enjoy spending time with Joy-Beth Cochran McCracken my wife of 28 years and three children Noah (24), John David (23) and Sara (22) I have served as the President and a church speaker of the local camp of the Gideon’s International I have served as President of the Hamilton Youth Football Association, currently serve as the president of the North Central Alabama Toybowl Association, where we have 17 schools/organizations playing in our league, I officiate youth and high school football, where I serve as booking agent, and softball where I serve as secretary/treasure, I am asked regularly during the year to give fire service/safety presentations to local schools, TV outlets, and civic organizations I always enjoy spending time with and helping to educate our communities children and adults

Timeline

Program Manager / Instructor

Alabama Personnel Standards Commission
01.2012 - Current

Firefighter/ Assistant Chief / Inspector / Investigator

Hamilton Fire Department
01.2007 - Current

Director of Emergency Management

Marion County Commission
01.2002 - 01.2007

Associate’s in applied science - Fire Science

Jefferson State CC

Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration

Columbia Southern University

General

Bevill State CC