The Galesburg Fire Department (GFD) selected Captain Matthew Cain as the 2023 Firefighter of the Year. The annual GFD Firefighter of the Year award recognizes significant contributions, achievements, character, and dedication of a firefighter or fire captain. Selection is based on criteria including skills and ability as a firefighter, performance of duties, motivation, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism. Candidates are nominated by the fire department staff, and the final selection is made by a consensus of the management staff, union president, and staff captain.
Captain Cain was appointed to the Galesburg Fire Department on February 16, 2003, and subsequently promoted to the rank of Captain on June 29, 2015. He manages the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) inventory and has performed a tremendous job keeping up with industry changes and ensuring firefighters are properly protected. Captain Cain is the lead for GFD’s Juvenile Fire Setter Program and handles the compressor and fill stations as well. Cain is instrumental in doing much of the behind-the-scenes work in procuring grant funds to keep SCBAs current.
Captain Cain took a special interest in GFD’s recruiting efforts. For the past couple of years, he has become heavily involved, often identifying events to attend, coordinating with other firefighters to attend the events, and arranging travel plans for career recruitment events in Champaign and Macomb. In addition, Captain Cain has been instrumental in training new firefighters after they return from the Illinois Fire Academy, providing positive leadership and years of experience.
Captain Cain is a tremendous asset to the Galesburg Fire Department and community. A ceremony was held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Galesburg Fire Department to honor Captain Cain as Firefighter of the Year and recognize his achievements and dedication to the Galesburg Fire Department.
***Courtesy of the Galesburg Fire Department***
