DAWN CARTER
REPORTER
For this installment of Meet the Officers, I visited the Okmulgee Central Fire Station to sit down with Firefighter Matt Hackler. Our conversation spanned his journey into public service, life at the fire station, and the personal values that drive him. Matt, a self-described outdoorsman and passionate public servant, offered a glimpse into the hard work that makes firefighting both rewarding and challenging.
— A Lifelong Calling
For Matt Hackler, firefighting wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision but a culmination of years of dedication to public safety. “I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for over 12 years,” he said, adding that his background includes roles as a jailer and a 911 coordinator for McIntosh County.
“Before this, I worked in public safety as the 911 coordinator. I dealt with fire, police, EMS, and dispatch,” he explained. His volunteer work as a firefighter solidified his dream. “Fire was the one that always stuck with me,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I finally got it done.”
Matt’s road to firefighting was enriched by a strong educational background. “I have a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a minor in business administration,” he shared. “I also earned a master’s degree in sports administration.” Though his career path has shifted, he values the knowledge and discipline his schooling provided. “It’s funny looking back,” he said with a smile. “I’ve got these degrees to show for it, but I should have pursued firefighting earlier. Still, I wouldn’t trade the experience.”
This past October marked his first full year as a firefighter with OFD, and while joining the Okmulgee Fire Department was a significant achievement, it didn’t come without challenges. “Getting on the department is hard,” Matt admitted. “It took me over a year of training. The physical tests are tough, and everything is timed. If you fail, you’re done and have to wait for the next opening. But I never stopped. That’s how I got on here.”
— Life at the Fire Station
Life at the fire station starts early and stays busy. “Our shifts run 7:30 to 7:30,” Matt explained. “I’m here before seven, and I have to have everything swept and mopped before the crew gets up. I make coffee, handle chores, and fuel the trucks. Every day has a different task.”
His responsibilities also include entering every run into the system, grocery shopping for the crew, and handling dishes and trash. “I’m the low guy on the shift,” he said with a chuckle, “so all those things fall to me. It’s my job to take care of the crew.”
However, Matt’s role extends far beyond station upkeep. On call-outs, he performs critical tasks, including CPR during medical emergencies. “If we get a CPR in progress, I’m the one doing compressions all the way to the hospital and in the ER,” he explained. “It’s heavy work. It’s not like a normal day. You could be asleep at 1:45 in the morning, and within two minutes, we’re out the door and in the truck. It’s organized chaos.”
When asked about memorable experiences, Matt shared a few standouts. “One time, we saved a house at the very end of a fire. It was a roomand-contents fire, but we were able to put it out. We have a picture of the crew from that night. That’s one I’ll never forget.”
Another experience tested the team’s endurance during a summer blaze. “We had a double house fire in 113-degree heat,” he said. “We had two ambulances on-site giving us IV fluids for dehydration. Every day is different, but that one stood out.”
— Beyond the Uniform
When he’s not at the fire station, Matt enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle. “I live at Lake Eufaula,” he shared. “I’ve been hunting and fishing since I was a kid. I even did outdoor television for a few years, filming all over the world.”
His work in outdoor television was as dynamic as his firefighting career. “I carried a $15,000 camera everywhere, filming everything from shark fishing in Costa Rica to spear fishing in the Bahamas and elk hunting in the mountains,” he said. “I’d come back, edit the footage on my computer, and send it off to television networks.” His travels took him across the globe, from deep-sea fishing charters to black sand beaches and zip-lining through rainforests. “I even filmed on a private island where we’d catch yellowfin tuna and eat sashimi fresh from the ocean. It was an incredible experience.”
Matt’s family is also a major part of his life. His wife is a band and color guard director, and they have a 7-year-old daughter named Ember, whom they adopted through foster care. “We asked her what she wanted to change her name to, and she picked Ember – like a fire,” he said proudly. Ember is already enamored with her dad’s profession. “She loves coming to the station, playing on the trucks, and hanging out with the crew.”
— Serving with Heart
When asked what he enjoys most about firefighting, Matt didn’t hesitate. “Being there for the people,” he said simply. “That’s what it’s all about. Whether it’s full-time or volunteer, it’s about serving.”
He also highlighted the differences between volunteer and full-time firefighting. “With full-time, we’re at the station 24 hours. When the call comes in, we’re out the door in less than a minute. As a volunteer, it could take five or six minutes just to get to the station. It’s a whole different world.”
Matt’s advice to aspiring firefighters is rooted in perseverance. “Live life to the fullest, and don’t ever take no for an answer,” he said. “This job isn’t easy. It’s not just applying and interviewing – you have to physically show you’re capable. But if you want it bad enough, don’t stop.”
— Final Thoughts
Matt Hackler’s life is driven with dedication, hard work, and a passion for serving others. From saving lives and homes to fostering community relationships, Matt exemplifies the best of what it means to be a firefighter. His philosophy – “God, family, and friendship” – drives everything he does, on and off the job.
Okmulgee is fortunate to have Matt Hackler on its team, and we’re grateful for his service. Stay tuned for more stories in Meet the Officers as we continue to highlight the incredible individuals serving our community.
