HOMETOWN HERO — Matthew Cardile
Official Fire District Title: District Fire Chief

How long have you been a member of HTFD-23 and why did you join?
In the summer of 1994, I was watching Rescue 911 with my mom and said that would be cool to do sometime. She came home from work the next day and told me I was registered for EMT school starting in September. When I completed school in December, I joined the firehouse.

What is the best part about being part of HTFD-23?
Being a part of a group of men and women who make a difference in people’s lives out day in and day out.

What do you do when you’re not fighting fires?
Watching my kids in their sporting events or helping my wife coach softball.

Who would you say is the most influential person in your life and why?
The list is too long for just one answer because I have had so many people in my life help me get where I am today. If I had to choose it would be two, my parents. My Mom and Dad taught me how to be a good person with good values, serve others, and be selfless.

What is your favorite movie and why?
The Departed and Good Will Hunting and The Town – Great plots and Boston is my second favorite city and Fire Department.

There is movie about HTFD-23 – what actor would play you?
Ben Affleck.

If you had 3 magic beans – what would you wish for?
I would wish for people to not be judgmental and base people on their content of their character and not by anything else.
To see and talk to my grandparents again.
Own a private island in the Caribbean.