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THANK YOU MATT VADALA
Matt Vadala recently retired as the Division 2 Chief for the Orange County
Fire Authority. Matt has a remarkable and acclaimed career in fire service.
During his 42 years on the job, Matt has worn many hats including Firefighter,
Fire Captain, Deputy Fire Marshal, Field Battalion Chief, Reserve Program
Coordinator, Emergency Planning Chief, and Vegetation Management Chief,
among many others. Matt is well known and respected throughout the community
and among his peers and colleagues.
"Chief Matt Vadala is the consummate professional; he takes pride in his organization and works continuously for its' betterment, he serves his constituents to the best of his ability and asks the people under his charge to do the same," says Fire Chief Chip Prather. "At every opportunity he offers supportive and uplifting words of encouragement to all he comes into contact with. Chief Vadala has been a tremendous asset to this organization, as well as to the City of Irvine, and will truly be missed." Matt has received numerous service certificates and awards, including National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer; Orange County Fire Services Over-achiever five times; Orange County Fire Services Firefighter of the Year; Orange County Hero's with a Heart Award; Prevent Child Abuse, Orange County Volunteer of the Year Award; Orange County Community Hero Award, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim; OCFA Board of Director's Star Award, Community Involvement; Beta Foster Care, Community Recognition Award; City of Irvine Community Drug Prevention "OSP" Award and many more. And Matt spearheaded partnerships on behalf of OCFA that will benefit the land and community long into the future. "Matt's leadership and vision in creating partnerships that help care for the land are extraordinary," says Michael O'Connell, Executive Director, Irvine Ranch Conservancy. "He has blazed a trail of cooperation between OCFA and the Conservancy that will grow and pay great dividends far into the future. Matt has created models for collaboration among land owners and managers that will improve the way land is managed with regard to fire. We will miss him deeply and wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life." |