Submitted by his Wife
Matthew C. Burton
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District – California
Classification: Career
Rank: Captain
Date of Death: 07/21/2007
Age: 34
Matt Burton was a man who was dedicated to everything that is important in life; family‚ friends‚ and his work. He was a boy who idolized his father‚ a son who brought joy to his mother and a loving brother. He was a friend who was always there when you needed someone and would go to battle for you without hesitation. He was genuine to every person he met and had a smile that was contagious.
Born in 1972 in Prince George County‚ Maryland‚ Matt grew up in the suburbs of Concord‚ California. He was a teenager who was curious about the world and wanted to experience all it had to offer. He would try anything once‚ even when it was a noticeably bad idea on the surface.
Matt met his future wife‚ Chantel‚ in 1989 and they married in 1998. Two beautiful children followed – Megan and Josh. Matt loved his kids with all of his heart and would brag about their accomplishments. He described Megan and Josh as the most precious gifts he had ever been given.
In 1997‚ he started his career with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District‚ spending almost all ten of his year at Station 81. He was promoted to Engineer in 2002 and became a Captain in February 2007.
Matt never brought the serious part of work home‚ instead telling stories to make you laugh. Matt’s daughter Megan said it best‚ Matt was a father who was always smiling and loved you no matter what you did. He was always cracking jokes so you would never frown. He didn’t care about risking his own life to make sure people had one…
Matt will be remembered as a compassionate husband and loving father who cherished his family with every ounce of his being. He lived with purpose‚ playfulness and a smile that will never be forgotten. May he smile upon us‚ watch over us and feel our love from above.
Matt is survived by his wife Chantel‚ daughter Megan‚ son Josh‚ parents‚ Chuck and Suzanne‚ his sister Sherry‚ many nieces‚ nephews and broad extended family.
I miss you!
– Troy HessTwenty years ago brother you came into my life and made me a better person. I still think about you and miss you. Tonight, I had to find a way to reach out to you. Miss you buddy.
– Mike AguiatI stop by to honor you today, Matthew. Thank you for your bravery and willingness to help make the world a better place. You will never be forgotten!
Sister of Kenney Nickell, LODD, 4/6/99, KY
– Starla TaylorMatt…you are missed brotha! This Thursday makes 15 years and it still hurts like it was yesterday! We continue to try and learn from that terrible day, doing all we can to not duplicate it and yes, we will never forget!
– Charles Thomas