The Bryan County Government has announced Matthew C. Burns as the county’s new Fire and Emergency Services Chief. Burns will assume his role on January 13. 

With a career spanning 33 years in public safety, Chief Burns began his fire service journey as a volunteer firefighter in 1991. Most recently, he served as a Battalion Chief with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Fairfax, Virginia. His experience includes numerous leadership roles, emergency response expertise, and a deep commitment to community service.

Chief Burns has deployed to disaster sites across the United States and internationally as part of the prestigious Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team VA-TF1 / USA-01. With 21 years of service to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), he has excelled as a Task Force Leader, Operations Chief, and Rescue Specialist. 

"I am blessed at the opportunity to assume the position of Fire and Emergency Services Chief for Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services," said Chief Burns. "I look forward to leading a team committed to community service and taking care of one another. I am ready to meet the challenges ahead and am excited for this next chapter of my career."

Chief Burns is a graduate of American Public University, holding a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Fire Service Leadership and working toward certifications as an Executive Fire Officer through the National Fire Academy, as well as Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer designations through the Center for Professional Credentialing.