Matt Simpson

Matt Simpson joins the Axtell Group as a practiced public safety administrator with a dedicated background in Fire and EMS operations and command-level direction. He retired as an Assistant Fire Chief with the City of Saint Paul Fire Department in 2023

with the combined responsibilities of EMS Operations, Community Engagement, oversight of the department’s Senior Human Resources Consultant, and the fire department’s Public Safety Garage. During his tenure as a chief officer, Matt managed EMS Operations for numerous multifaceted large-scale events, including the Minnesota State Fair, Twin Cities Marathon, the Republican National Convention, civil unrest, and large indoor/outdoor sport and concert venues, all the while developing valued relationships with numerous public safety disciplines and maintaining the highest regard for coordination during these events. Efforts made to improve coordination, planning, and collaboration with surrounding Fire/EMS agencies, multiple public safety disciplines, and the community, for safe and organized operations, were not merely idealistic goals;

they ultimately became sustainable achievements.

 

Having served 29 years with the City of Saint Paul Fire Department, Matt was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in 2013. With each position held - from Firefighter/Paramedic through the command positions of Fire Captain/Paramedic, Deputy Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, and Interim Fire Chief - the priorities of safety, accountability, and

organization were paramount.

 

Matt received his master’s degree in public administration, is a Certified Paramedic with the NREMT and State of Minnesota, was the Governor-appointed Fire Chief Representative for the State of MN Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board

(EMSRB) 2010-2023 and sat as a member of multiple college paramedic education program standing advisory committees. He remains involved with EMS in the State of Minnesota.