Matthew Lawrence Tobben was born November 5, 1981, in Washington, Missouri, to Lawrence and Sharon Tobben (née Schaefer). Matt grew up in Franklin County, Missouri. He attended Beaufort Elementary School and graduated from Union High School in 2000. He continued his education at East Central College for paramedic technology/fire technology and later at Ashland University with his B.A. in organizational management.

Matt began his career as a volunteer firefighter for the Union Fire Protection District in 2005 and was hired full-time by the department in 2008. During this time, Matt also worked for Union Ambulance District and St. Clair Ambulance District as an EMT. Matt served the Union Fire Protection District in many capacities over the course of his 20-year career and was promoted to assistant chief in 2019. Matt also served on Missouri Task Force 1 for 12 years, was a task force Leader for St. Louis Metro Task Force 5 (USAR), board member for the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS), and a member of many other emergency response organizations.

Matt was always striving to learn as much as possible. He had this intense drive to better his department, himself, and everyone around him. It was always the joke to say, if there was a certification out there to get, Matt has probably already gotten it.

Matthew left the Union Fire Protection District after being appointed the assistant chief for training with the Boone County Fire Protection District in May 2024. Tragically, on July 8, 2024, during a swift water rescue, Matt did not resurface after the rescue boat stalled and was overturned in the flood waters.

Matt left behind his wife of nearly 15 years, Jackie, and their two sons, Jack and Henry. He committed his entire life to caring for his family and serving the public as a firefighter. Matt enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending as much time as possible with his family and friends.

Matt was quiet. If he was saying something, then it was worth listening to. He loved playing with his sons, supporting his wife, sitting around the campfire listening to music, and just being in the moment. He had so many plans and was doing his best to make sure they were going to happen.

Even in death he is still making sure his family is taken care of.