Winning firefighter hails from Hants

By Christy Marsters

Matt Dunfield showed keen interest when he first became a member of the Windsor Department years ago, interim Fire Chief Scott Burgess remembers. “He always lived and breathed firefighting … Matt was like many of us, when we entered the fire service.”

Dunfield was eager to train, practice safe firefighting and become better, Burgess continues. “Obviously, he is still keen to be the best at what he puts his mind to.”

Recently Dunfield – now a firefighter serving in Moncton – proved himself amongst the best firefighters in the world when he and four other members from Moncton won the 2009 World Championship Firefighter Combat Challenge in Las Vegas. The annual challenge involves hundreds of municipal fire departments. “I was very happy to hear Matt won the competition knowing his roots were planted here in the Windsor Fire Department,” Burgess says. “It makes us proud when former members leave us to pursue careers in firefighting and they do become successful in new departments. “I would like to congratulate Matt, on this international success.”

Dunfield’s success and local acknowledgment will likely benefit the community and department by opening the eyes of local youth, Burgess adds. “These young people may apply to the Windsor Fire Department now, knowing our department can build a very good foundation for their future goals as it did for Matt and many others too.”

Local celebration

A night of celebration was held at the Falmouth Community Hall December 12 so Hants County could congratulate Dunfield and view a world-class trophy. Many including Kings–Hants MP Scott Brison, turned out to praise Dunfield on his success.

Other local dignitaries, including Hants–West MLA Chuck Porter extended their congratulations. “I think (the win) is exceptional for a local guy,” Porter said. “The department in this community, and all in the area, are live representation; we have first class people volunteering time in the fire services. “We’re fortunate to have the number of volunteers we do. (This is) proof they’re committed to the area.”

Matt Dunfield says his parents instilled upon him the importance of treating others respectfully and of working hard. “Nothing comes easy,” he says. “When I had signed the papers to become a member of the Windsor Fire Department, the members and, most notably, the late Chief Fred Fox, reinforced all of what I was taught by my mom and dad. “Chief Fox led his department by example - showing respect, character, hard work and pride can go a long way in making someone a leader or, in my most recent example, part of a World Championship team. “I learned (in a first year at the Windsor Fire Department) fire control, fire behavior, advance levels of first aid and about being part of a fire department family, Dunfield recalls. “Emergencies do not distinguish between careers or volunteer. The closeness, and family like relationships; exist here (within Moncton) too … and I simply cannot forget, as well, that our trucks are red here too.”

Family support “I would like to acknowledge that my wife is my biggest fan and supporter,” Dunfield adds. “She’s been real patient in the absences I take to train, fundraise and of course compete. A highlight for me is when she’s able to be there in person to cheer me on.”

Although she was unable to make it to the competition in Las Vegas, Matt’s wife, Jen Dunfield, says she’s so glad to have been able to be by his side through his last seven years competing. “His first competition was in Shediac in 2002, when he’d competed as an individual representing the Windsor Fire Department. He’d finished that race with a time of two minutes and 54 seconds and I was extremely proud of him then!”

When Matt called to share his win in Las Vegas, it took a while to clue in because it was 3 a.m., Jen Dunfield says. “Once he explained that they had won, and I finally woke up enough to understand it, I just couldn’t go back to sleep. “ I was way too excited and not to mention extremely bummed I wasn’t able to make that trip to Vegas to be with him ... I got up and headed to the computer to start sending emails.” “The rest of the Maritimes were still sleeping but I wanted them to know of the news as soon as they woke up,” she adds. “He is an amazing firefighter and has a such an awesome passion for it. “If it was not for the Windsor Fire Department, he would not be where he is today.”