UMass EHS Fire Safety Officer Matt Morin Honored as Firefighter of the Year

Matt Morin, fire safety officer with UMass Amherst Environmental Health and Safety and a firefighter for the Town of Sunderland, recently received the Norman Knight Award for Excellence in Community Service at the state’s 34th annual Firefighter of the Year Awards ceremony.

“Matt exemplifies the true spirit of serving the community,” said Maryanne Steele, assistant director for campus safety and fire prevention. “Matt’s commitment to fire prevention and education is building stronger connections with all our communities and we are grateful for his positive impact.”

Morin was recognized for his passion for fire and life safety education, including being co-creator of the fall public safety festival and helping to develop a first responder training program; setting standards for professional outreach to the LGBTQIA+ community; and presenting his training to over 2,000 firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and police officers across the U.S.

In total, 130 firefighters were recognized on Nov. 21 by Gov. Maura Healey, Public Safety Secretary Terrence Reidy and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.