Escambia County Fire Rescue will host a retirement ceremony in honor of Lieutenant John Van Matre, who has served as an ECFR firefighter for 21 years. Local media outlets are welcome to attend and cover the ceremony. One or more Escambia County Commissioner may be in attendance.
WHAT: Lt. John Van Matre's Retirement Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, April 28 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Escambia County Public Safety Building, 6575 N. "W" Street
MEDIA CONTACT: Davis Wood, (850) 619-5612 or
cmr@myescambia.com
About Lt. John Van Matre:
Lt. John Van Matre's fire service career spans 44 years, having spent the last 21 years with Escambia County Fire Rescue. He began is career as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16, serving the Ferry Pass, Brent and Ensley Volunteer Fire Departments of Escambia County from 1978 until 1987. Lt. Van Matre joined ECFR in April of 2001 as one of the original 10 "part-timers." He became a full-time firefighter in July of 2001. In August 2004, Lt. Van Matre was the first firefighter selected as the Escambia County Employee of the Month. In 2008, John Van Matre officially became a lieutenant with ECFR.
