Don Matheson Promoted to Assistant Fire Chief

Exeter, NH - June 3rd, 2024: Please join us in congratulating Assistant Fire Chief Don Matheson on his promotion to second in command here at EFD.

Matheson, who most recently served as a deputy chief overseeing the department’s training and EMS programs, has assumed the position previously held by Chief Justin Pizon before he took over as chief following the recent retirement of Eric Wilking.

In his new position, Matheson will be involved in the day-to-day operations of the department, including planning for the new fire substation, which was approved by voters in March as part of the new police station project.

Matheson is a graduate of Exeter High School and has spent his entire fire service career in Exeter. He joined EFD in 1991 and is the longest-serving member currently employed by the department.

“I’m looking forward to a different role with different responsibilities, but at the end of the day I’m still a firefighter. I never forget where I came from, so whatever I can do in this position now to make it better for everybody downstairs, from firefighters, captains, and lieutenants, then I’ll do that. That’s my job, to make it better than what was handed to me,” he said.

Once a new deputy chief is announced to fill the vacancy left by his promotion, Matheson said he’ll work closely with the incoming deputy to ensure a smooth transition.

While he’s already serving as assistant chief, Matheson will be recognized at a public swearing-in ceremony during a Select Board meeting later this month.

Congratulations again to Assistant Chief Matheson. We look forward to working with him in his new leadership role and wish him continued success.