The Huntsville Fire Department does far more than respond to fires, and a group of City Fellows interns recently had the opportunity to see that firsthand during a behind-the-scenes tour led by Fire Chief Greg Mathis.
The City Fellows program, administered through the LEAP Center at Sam Houston State University, places students in internships throughout the Huntsville community while providing professional development experiences that introduce them to the people and organizations serving the city. This summer’s interns include Brittlyn Jackson, who is interning with Huntsville Main Street; Tania Ramirez, with Huntsville Parks and Leisure; Christine James, with SAAFE House; and Allie Plunk, who serves with Old Town Theatre and The Altom Group.
The tour began with a look into the department’s history, including a beautifully restored 1928 Huntsville fire truck and several artifacts that illustrate how firefighting has evolved over the past century.
From there, Chief Mathis explained that today’s fire chief wears many hats. In addition to emergency response, his responsibilities include budgeting, securing grants, overseeing personnel, and ensuring firefighters have the training and equipment necessary to protect the community.
As the group toured the station, they visited the department’s watch room, where emergency calls and alarms are monitored around the clock, and learned about the important role volunteers continue to play alongside career firefighters. They also had an opportunity to get some hands-on experiences with the equipment, including the firetruck.
We learned that Allie shouldn’t be trusted with sharp objects, and that Brittlyn might not be cut out to be a firefighter.
Chief Mathis emphasized that modern fire departments handle far more than structure fires. The Huntsville Fire Department maintains specialized capabilities such as a dive team and rope rescue team, allowing firefighters to respond to water emergencies, technical rescues, and other situations requiring specialized training. Of course, not every call is dramatic—sometimes firefighters are even called upon to rescue stranded cats.
Perhaps the most memorable portion of the visit came as Chief Mathis recounted some of Huntsville’s most significant fires. He described the devastating 1954 First Baptist Church fire and the 1982 blaze that destroyed Old Main at Sam Houston State University, illustrating how these historic events shaped both the department and the community it serves. Perhaps the most memorable portion of the visit came as Chief Mathis recounted some of Huntsville’s most significant fires. He described the devastating 1954 First Baptist Church fire and the 1982 blaze that destroyed Old Main at Sam Houston State University, illustrating how these historic events shaped both the department and the community it serves.
It was a fascinating afternoon, one that provided an education on how various aspects of the city were interconnected, the training that goes into emergency services, and the many roles played by the fire department–all of which enriched our internships and our education.
Many thanks to Chief Greg Mathis for the tour, the time, the history, and the education.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 