MATTHEW MACKENZIE

From Football

By Luke Vandermeer

WHAT DID YOU TELL YOUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FRIENDS WHEN THE CLASSIC QUESTION “WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE ARE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?” CAME UP? FOR SOME OF US, IT WAS FIREFIGHTER. FOR OTHERS IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN LAWYER, POLICE OFFICER, PARAMEDIC – OR EVEN PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE.

to Fire to Family

Meet Matthew MacKenzie, a firefighter for the Long Beach, California area who has fulfilled not one, not two, but all three of his childhood ambitions.

HIS FIRST ANSWER TO “WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TO BE?” WAS FIREFIGHTER.

Matthew grew up in a household with four other siblings including an older brother with Down Syndrome who, despite the ongoing love and support of his family, sadly died from medical complications. When firefighters responded to the medical call and rushed his brother away in an effort to save his life, one of the first responders took a moment to embrace the young Matthew in an effort to show him that somehow the world would still be okay. It was this moment Matthew's journey toward our profession began, with him hoping that one day he could offer the same support to others.

BUT IN THE INTERIM, THE SMALL MATTER OF PROFESSIONAL SPORT INTERVENED. MATTHEW’S SECOND ANSWER TO THE CLASSIC QUESTION WAS ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER.

He was an accomplished athlete, and with the help of Andy, one of his best friends, grew up pushing himself to be as successful as possible. After developing his skills through high school, Matthew received a scholarship to the University of Southern California and began his journey into the professional world of sports.

Even though Matthew and Andy headed off to separate schools to continue their education, they talked of returning after their playing careers to make good on their dream to become firefighters.

One night in 2003, Matthew’s world changed again. He was running an errand for his mom, returning a VHS tape (remember those?) to Blockbuster Video (remember those?) to avoid a late fee. It was enroute that he received the much anticipated phone call telling him he’d been drafted to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Eventually, Matthew was drafted to the New England Patriots, albeit on the practice squad. It was disappointing but how many of us could ever say we’ve played a single minute in a professional sport? It was while he was on that practice squad that Matthew began to look at the next chapter of his life in a more serious way. If football wasn’t going to be his long-term profession, he knew just what would take its place. He would become a firefighter.

Taking courses non-stop and working as many as five jobs while he maneuvered himself into the firefighting life, Matthew often had to sleep in his truck. But his determination powered him

“NOTHING WOULD KEEP ME FROM MY GOALS.” NOTHING DID.

through, and he reached another goal, becoming a professional firefighter. As he puts it, “Nothing would keep me from my goals.” Nothing did.

After thirteen years on the job, Matthew has served as a firefighter and medic, and last year was promoted to engineer. He has set a goal for himself to spend six years doing different jobs within the firefighting community. So far, so good!

When asked what he enjoys most about being a firefighter, Matthew will respond that it’s the chance to serve the Long Beach community alongside his firefighting teammates. He points out that each individual brings his or her skill set to the team based on their lives outside of firefighting, whether they’re construction workers, pre-med students or something entirely different. He commends his co-workers for being a strong support group, and cherishes the chance to have relationships with his team both on and off the job.

MATTHEW’S THIRD ANSWER TO “WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE?” WAS DEVOTED HUSBAND AND FATHER, ANOTHER GOAL HE IS PROUD TO HAVE ACHIEVED.

He and his wife have four children and he’s quick to point out that his family is his main priority, in all that he does. Matthew praises his wife for being his sounding board as he deals with the daily stresses of the job, and cautions all firefighters to be emotionally open with family about what’s going on at work.

“We try to be superheroes in all aspects of our lives, but we also need that one person to remind us that we’re human

too. Sometimes that can be as simple as being told to go and sleep after a long shift! In order for my family to enjoy the best of me, I need to take care of myself.”

Matthew is eternally grateful that his wife can see what he needs to keep him going. When asked what’s next after having mastered football, firefighting and a fulfilling family life, Matthew says he’s being patient and always takes time to learn a craft well as he’s experiencing it. For now he’s focusing on being an engineer and supporting his team, while also taking the time to be a loving family man with daughters who want to follow in his footsteps.

So the next time you ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, pay attention. If they have the drive and ambition of Matthew Mackenzie, it may all just come true!