On July 2, 1977, Matthew Rena Renaud was born at Herman Hospital in Houston, Texas. Matthew was proud to be a native Houstonian, Texan, and of his heritage. After graduation from North Shore High School in 1996, he received a degree from San Jacinto College. During college, Matthew began to realize his calling to become a firefighter. Shortly after earning his fire science degree, Matthew was a cadet at the Houston Fire Academy, Val Jahnke Training Facility. He graduated 10th in his class in 2001. Matthew’s first station was 51, in southwest Houston, where he built close relationships, bonds, and his love for Station 51.

He excelled quickly through the ranks of the Houston Fire Department. In 2007, he was promoted to engine operator. In 2011, he scored high on the captain’s exam and was promoted to captain. Throughout his career he worked at several stations around Houston; however, he found his way back home to Station 51 after his captain’s promotion. At the time of his death, Captain Renaud had just completed taking his senior captain’s exam and scored well to insure yet another promotion.

Matthew received the Unit Meritorious Medal on April 27, 2013. He, along with two of his fellow firefighters, pulled an unconscious victim out of a burning apartment in April 2012. He never thought it was that big of a deal. He was just doing his job. Matthew loved being a Houston firefighter, captain, his fellow firefighters, and serving his city.

Matthew had a great love for his family, friends, and his dog, Hoagie. He enjoyed visiting with people he cared for and loved on any level. Sports were a very big part of his life. Growing up he played baseball and lived a very active life. When he wasn’t playing, he enjoyed and loved his Houston professional sports teams, especially the Astros. Every year, along with some friends and his brother David, Matthew would take a trip to watch the Astros play in another city. They were able to take seven of these trips together, and the memories will be cherished by all who went. Today we still take those trips, with a fire station visit to honor and remember Matthew.

Watching the Astros play in another city fulfilled another love of his, traveling. Whether taking a road trip to the river or boarding a plane to fly to another city, he was ready for the getaway and to have fun. Having fun is what he wanted to do, whether it was at the station, home with family, a Texan’s game, or traveling.

Captain Matthew Renaud is survived by his father and stepmother, Xavier and MicDalia Renaud; his mother, Barbara Perez; his brother, David Renaud; his brother’s wife, Courtney; nephew, Luke Renaud; and his basset hound, Hoagie.