Get to know #yourColletonFirefighter Matthew Parler on #firefighterfriday. Captain Parler serves as the Logistics Captain and joined Colleton County Fire-Rescue in 1995. Here is more information on Captain Parler:
Matt entered the fire service as a volunteer in 1995 as a junior firefighter, now known as an Explorer, with Station 8 serving the Hendersonville community. He was motivated to join the fire service to satisfy his drive of giving back to the community and being with some of his fellow classmates who were already volunteering. The group of volunteers would be given excused absences from class in order to respond to emergencies. After turning eighteen, Matt transferred his volunteer membership to Station 1. Upon graduating high school, he juggled working a full time job at his father’s hardware store, attending college, and working part time for both Colleton County and the City of Walterboro. While he was in college, he was offered the opportunity to participate in an internship with Hargray Communications installing fiber in Beaufort County. After strong consideration, he decided not to participate in the internship but joined the fire service full time instead. Matt was hired by the City of Walterboro, but he knew all along he wanted to work full time for the county. He was given that opportunity in 2003, and over his career, he has worked his way up the ranks; Matt transferred to Logistics in 2023.
On his days off, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, going on weekend excursions, spending long summer days on the boat, racing RC cars, and is always ready for a good video game.
