Evanston Fire Captain Matt Grizely To Retire After 34 Years Of Service

EVANSTON, IL — The Evanston Fire Department announced the retirement of Captain Matt Grizely, who is concluding more than 34 years of service with the city. His last day of service is Tuesday, according to the department.

Grizely served much of his career in leadership roles within the department. He has been a captain for more than 18 years, including 10 years as an acting battalion chief. He also spent 30 years as Detail Coordinator, a role that helped ensure outside organizations were staffed with professional firefighters and paramedics when requested.

Grizely also contributed as a leader in the Fire Prevention Bureau, where he worked on building inspection, public education and public relations programs. As a firefighter, he served for many years as a paramedic trainer, helping prepare future Evanston paramedics for work in what the department described as a busy community. He also served as EMS Coordinator to help the department provide emergency medical services.

Beyond those assignments, the department said Grizely earned numerous certifications and commendations during his career. It also said he served on many committees, chaired the Recognition and Uniform Committee and worked as the department's Quartermaster. He was also involved with the Associated Firefighters of Illinois Honor Guard and the EMS System Advisory Board.

"It is impossible to sum up the accomplishments of a member that has worked as hard as he has for as long as he has in the service of others in one press release. His work will have positive lasting effects on the Evanston Fire Department," Interim Fire Chief Matt Smith said.

The department thanked Grizely for his service and congratulated him on his retirement.