Matthew Perry
Bakersfield,CA
Summary
College-level fire instructor who blends operational expertise with learner-centered instruction to prepare recruits and aspiring officers for high-consequence decision-making. Delivers structured, relevant, and equitable education that strengthens performance, professionalism, and public safety outcomes. Specialized in strategy & tactics, company and chief officer competencies, and firefighter survival.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Instructor
Bakersfield Fire Department
01.2015 - Current
- Instructor for Company and Chief Officer Certification coursework.
- Increased promotional passing rates from 50% to 90%
- Registered Instructor for Company Officer 2A, 2B, 2C, & 2D.
- Focus areas include risk analysis, leadership, incident command, strategy, tactics, and decision-making.
- Collaborated with department leadership to refine curriculum based on evolving industry standards.
Professional Expert
Kern Community College District
01.2015 - Current
- Instructor for Firefighter I Academy and BFD Recruit Academies.
- Teaches Company and Chief Officer Certification Course, strategy & tactics, leadership philosophy, service culture, RIC operations, and firefighter survival.
- Designs curriculum to raise expectations, reinforce standards, and promote success in diverse student populations.
- Improved efficiency of commercial structure fire operations to minimize risk and loss.
Fire Captain
Bakersfield Fire Department
08.2008 - Current
- Operational leadership, training program development, and personnel mentorship in a busy metropolitan fire agency.
- Firefighter of the Year - 2022
- Excellence in Action Award - 2022
- Trained, mentored, and developed more than 75 firefighters to be successful on promotional examinations.
Education
Master of Science - Fire Executive Leadership, Organizational Leadership
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL06.2027
B.S. - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL03.2025
A.S. - Fire Science
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL08.2017
Fire Technology Certificate -
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA01.2015
Skills
- Incident Command
- Crew Leadership
- Strategy & Tactics
- Training & Mentorship
- Promotional Development
- Instructional Leadership
Accomplishments
Since taking over the Company and Chief Officer promotional developmental programs in 2020, the Bakersfield Fire Department has increased the success rate of members passing promotional examinations from approximately 50% to 90%. This has been achieved through a philosophy and focus on simplifying the three core fire service principles: protect life, property, and the environment.
Has trained, mentored, and developed more than 75 firefighters in emergency incident simulations, strategy and tactics, leadership, and oral interviews.
Certification
California State Fire Marshal, Registered Instructor for Company Officer 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, Fire Officer / Chief Fire Officer, Fire Investigator I & II
Awards Recognition
- Firefighter of the Year, 2022
- Excellence in Action Award, 2022
Timeline
Lead Instructor
Bakersfield Fire Department
01.2015 - Current
Professional Expert
Kern Community College District
01.2015 - Current
Fire Captain
Bakersfield Fire Department
08.2008 - Current
Master of Science - Fire Executive Leadership, Organizational Leadership
Columbia Southern University
B.S. - Fire Administration
Columbia Southern University
A.S. - Fire Science
Columbia Southern University
Fire Technology Certificate -
Bakersfield College