For Capt. Matt Schofield, firefighting and its daily challenges help keep him on his toes.
Schofield is one of two candidates being considered by City Administrator Steve Crowell for the Jefferson City fire chief position, which has been vacant since former Chief Bob Rennick retired in March 2013. For the past 16 months, Jason Turner, division chief of prevention and public information, has held the chief position in the interim.
Schofield's interest in firefighting began through scouting when he worked at local camps. After working as a ranger at the Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's largest national High Adventure Base in New Mexico, Schofield said he returned to Mid-Missouri wanting to earn an emergency medical technician, or EMT, license.
"The Boone County Fire District said they would give me an EMT license, but I had to become a firefighter," Schofield said. "So I joined up, and then I fell in love with (firefighting)."
Schofield's best memory as a firefighter is from a fire on Lafayette Street. He said a two-story house had caught fire and an 8-year-old boy was unconscious on the second floor.
"We were able to find him with a thermal imaging camera, which at the time was a very, very new technology," Schofield said. "That was very cool, to use a new technology to be able to have an impact like that."
Schofield said he likes that every day is different as a firefighter, something he said keeps him on his toes as new challenges arise.
When it comes to the department, Schofield said the most unique aspect is its location at the seat of state government, making it possible to have a statewide impact on fire safety and prevention.
"We have a great impact on other departments in the industry," Schofield said. "I think we're kind of looked to, in a lot of ways, to take leadership roles in the industry. ... We provide a very high level of service for a department our size."
Schofield said the main priority for the department should be continued growth in service and striving to always be better at what they do. He said the department also needs to focus on customer service, as well as training and retaining staff.
The biggest issue Schofield sees facing the department is the state of uncertainty the department has been in for the last 16 months without a permanent fire chief.
"It's been a real challenge for all of us," Schofield said. "It's very challenging for us to be able to know where we're headed."
Schofield describes himself as persistent and a hard worker who loves the service and work involved in firefighting.
"I'm optimistic about the future," Schofield said. "I'm optimistic about the ways that we can continue to serve people."
In his spare time, Schofield said he loves any outdoor activity, especially mountaineering and kayaking.
Profile: Matt Schofield
Age: 37
Hometown: Columbia
Family: Wife and two sons, ages 6 and 9
Education: Associate of applied science in fire science technology from Ozarks Technical College; a bachelor's in consumer economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia; and master's of business administration from William Woods University.
Years with JCFD: 15 years
See also:
City administrator considers two candidates for fire chief
Interim chief Jason Turner says he's ready for full-time job