Volunteer Spotlight: Jay Matsen

Name: Jay Matsen
Title: Training Officer
Department Name: Quileute Fire Department
Location: Forks, WA

Why are you an NVFC member?
Networking, free training, support for the volunteer fire service, and a national platform.

What is your occupation?
Accountant

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
It’s an avenue to give back to the community. “Pay it forward.” It’s something different from a regular job and provides a service that wouldn’t be available otherwise.

What year did you join the fire or emergency service?
1985

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
My first fire, my first EMS call, my first CPR “save.”

Coming upon a rescue scene in the mountains with some of my former wilderness medical students (who happened to be bystanders at the scene) already taking care of an injured person. When we arrived to evacuate him down a long trail, most of the needed EMS had already been handled before our arrival.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?
• Thousands of hours of fire, EMS, and rescue time donated each year
• Early identification of people with special or additional needs

Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at https://makemeafirefighter.org/.