Matthew T. Palmer

Matthew T. Palmer has extensive experience in the fire service, with a career spanning over three decades. Matthew T. began their career as a Fire Fighter for the Branford Fire Department, where they worked as a part-time Fire Dispatcher and EMT before being hired as a full-time Fire Fighter EMT. After leaving the Branford Fire Department, Palmer attended the Fire Academy for the Stamford Fire and Rescue Department.

In 1995, Palmer joined the City of Stamford Fire Department as a Fire Captain, stationed at Fire Headquarters. Alongside their role as Captain, they served on the Fire Apparatus Committee, responsible for apparatus design and engineering. Matthew T. also took on the role of Public Information Officer for the department and served as a member of the Peer Counseling Support Team.

In 2001, Palmer became the President of the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Union, where they served for four years. During their tenure, they were also involved in various leadership roles within the IAFF Local 786, including Legislative Representative and Executive Board Member. Matthew T. also acted as the System Administrator for the IAFF Local 786 website.

In 2005, Palmer briefly worked as the Director of Customer Service for American Medical Response before taking on the position of Legislative Representative for the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association. Matthew T. held this role until 2006.

Palmer's passion for fire and safety education led him to found and become the Director of the Stamford Fire Safety Foundation Fund in 2012. This charitable foundation aims to improve the lives and safety of the Stamford community through the promotion of fire and safety education programs, accident prevention programs, and providing supplemental fire equipment and resources for firefighters.

In addition to their work with the City of Stamford Fire Department and the Stamford Fire Safety Foundation Fund, Palmer has also held positions as the Director of Training for the Cheshire Fire Department and Director of the Stamford Regional Fire Training School. Matthew T. has also served as an Instructor for the Wolcott Regional Fire Training School.

Outside of their firefighting career, Palmer had a brief stint in the film industry, playing a Fire Fighter role in the 2011 film "We Need to Talk About Kevin."

Overall, Matthew T. Palmer has displayed a strong commitment to the fire service, enhancing the safety of their community through a variety of roles and initiatives.

Matthew T. Palmer is currently pursuing an Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program at the National Fire Academy, with an expected completion date between 2022 and 2024. Matthew T. holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration with Honors, which they obtained from Charter Oak State College. Prior to that, they earned an Associate of Science Degree in General Studies from the same college.

Earlier in their education, Matthew attended the University of New Haven from 2002 to 2008, although no specific degree or field of study is mentioned. Matthew T. completed their high school education at Guilford, CT High School, graduating in 1989.

In addition to their formal education, Matthew T. Palmer has several certifications in the field of fire service and public safety. These include Connecticut Fire Service Instructor II from the Connecticut Fire Academy, Connecticut Fire Officer IV from the same institution, Emergency Medical Technician from the State of Connecticut, Incident Safety Officer - Fire Suppression (ISO) from the Connecticut Fire Academy, and Hazardous Materials Technician Certification from the Connecticut Fire Academy.