Matt Caward

For thirty years, Matthew Caward has been a source of support and encouragement for firefighters, their families, and community members who have faced adversity or loss in this challenging profession. He has dedicated his life to serving others, whether as a soldier, pastor, firefighter, business owner, coach, father, or husband of twenty-seven years. Matthew inspires and motivates individuals, families, and audiences to rise from the ashes of hardship, find renewed purpose through God's grace, and share Agape love with the world.

After college, Matthew met and married his wife Crystal and began his service in the US Army Chaplaincy Corps. He spent six years as a Chaplain's assistant stationed in Alabama, supporting soldiers and families. He then managed a Christian youth camp in his hometown of Northern Arizona before finding his calling in the fire service. In New Mexico, he served as a full-time pastor and professional firefighter for Bernalillo County and Mountainside UMC, respectively. He was certified as a Fire Service Chaplain in 2007, creating the first Chaplaincy program in BCFD's history, and later became the department's first full-time Chaplain. Matthew earned accolades throughout his fire career, including Firefighter of the Year in 2008, before being promoted to Captain in 2018.

Matthew's passion is to serve his fellow man and his community, inspiring them to overcome heartache and tragedy to achieve their dreams. With his extensive background in firefighting, coaching, and ministry, he has honed his expertise in motivating and encouraging challenging individuals. As an ordained minister, he holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biblical Theology from The College of the Open Bible in South Carolina, a Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration from Eastern New Mexico University, and a Master's degree in Business Administration from California Coast University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Chaplaincy at Liberty University.