Hal Matthew “Matt” Hanenkrath was born August 4, 1982, to Hal and Lori Hanenkrath. He graduated from Ayersville Local Schools in Defiance County, Ohio, in 2001 and attended DeVry University in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to high school graduation, Matt began his EMT training. After graduation he was able to take the state test, get his EMT certification, and begin the next step to get his firefighter certification.

Public safety was a family tradition and a passion for Matt growing up. Both his parents were actively involved in the fire service as members of the Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department, where his father served as fire chief. Matt was a dedicated and involved member of the same fire department. Over the course of the next 20 years, Matt moved up the ranks within the department.

Matt was a devoted husband to his wife of 14 years, Ashley, and a devoted father to daughters, Haleigh and Brynn, and son, Bentley. He was very involved in his children’s lives, as well as their coach through many sporting activities. Matt is also survived by his mother, Lori, and brothers, Josh and Kurt Hanenkrath.

In 2005, Matt became a dispatcher with the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, providing communications for all public safety entities throughout the county. In 2014, he moved up to become the 911 training coordinator in Lucas County, serving there for two years before returning to Defiance. Once back in Defiance, Matt was promoted to director of the 911 center. Matt played a big part in the day-to-day operations of the center but an even bigger part in promoting leadership amongst coworkers.

This drive for leadership led Matt to a position as a school board member for the Ayersville Local Schools, where he served as president. His children are now attending school there, and he was recently inducted into the Hall of Honor.

His leadership drive did not stop there. Matt went a step farther in filling an open vacancy as fire chief of the South Richand Fire Department in Defiance County. Matt loved the challenges that leadership presented. He held a positive attitude and the confidence that he could accomplish whatever task was put in front of him. It was in this position as fire chief that Matt answered his final call on June 27, 2023.

Matt’s love for his family, sense of humor, sincerity, and dedication to his community will never be forgotten. He has truly left a big impression on many people that he encountered and provided a great service to the citizens of Defiance County.