Matthew Paul Moore was born in Lynwood‚ California‚ on September 13‚ 1964‚ to Phillip and Carol Moore. He has an older brother‚ Mark‚ and a younger sister‚ Jill. He comes from a family of firefighters; his dad‚ uncle‚ and brother were all firefighters.
Matt graduated from Los Amigos High School in 1983. High school sweethearts‚ Matt and Sherry met in 1982 and were married on September 8‚ 1990. They have three children‚ Alyssa Rebecca‚ who was born in 1992; Trenton Matthew‚ who was born in December 1994; and Branden Anthony‚ who was born in April 1994 and became a member of their family in 2006. Matt loved his family and was a great provider‚ working very hard so Sherry could stay home with their kids. He was the best husband and father. Matt’s universe revolved around his wife and children‚ and he devoted much of his time and effort towards his family. He also had many‚ many friends who loved him like family!
A 20-year veteran of the fire service‚ Matt received an associate’s degree in fire science from Santa Ana College and graduated from the Santa Ana Fire Academy in September 1986. He worked as a reserve firefighter for the Santa Ana‚ Corona‚ and Murrieta Fire Departments before being hired by Murrieta Fire Protection District as a full-time firefighter in October 1990. An excellent firefighter‚ Matt quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to captain in May 2001. He loved being a fire captain. His passion was mentoring young kids and the Fire Explorer & reserve programs.
In November 2007‚ Matt developed flu-like symptoms‚ which were eventually diagnosed as balamuthia mandrillaris amoebic meningoencephalitis. It is presumed that he contracted this illness while working in high winds‚ protecting the city of Murrieta from the threat of wildfires. Matt passed away on March 10‚ 2008‚ after several surgeries and complications. He fought this illness with every last breath.
Matt was a Christian man who loved spending time with his family and his friends. He was a responsible adult‚ but he was like a big kid. His sense of humor and loving spirit made it a joy to spend time with him. He loved animals‚ including his own three dogs‚ three cats‚ and cockatiel. He was gracious and kind‚ often mentoring young men and helping them achieve their dream of becoming professional firefighters. Matt loved the outdoors and enjoyed backpacking and fishing with his family and friends. He and his family loved to spend time in Yosemite National Park‚ where they created lifelong memories.
Matt was an amazing person‚ husband‚ father and friend. Everyone who knew him misses him so much. He was one of the good guys.
Matt was a huge influence on my son, although they didn’t meet. After attending Matt’s memorial service as a middle-schooler, my son committed himself to becoming a firefighter, going through the Murrieta Explorer program, graduating from Santa Ana Fire Academy, and volunteering with San Diego County as well as being good friends with Matt’s son and Matt’s son-in-law. I am thankful to the whole Moore family for their service, example, and sacrifice. God bless his memory and God bless the Moore family.
– lori morganAfter watching a documentary chronicling his illness, I felt so sorry for Matt. I hope his family is doing well coping with his unfortunate passing from this parasite. He was a good man. He taught kids to never give up and encouraged them to follow their dreams of becoming firefighters. He loved everyone in his family and his work force. Even when certain death was imminent, he fought this parasite with everything he had. May God bless his soul, family, and everyone associated with him.
– Railen Herman