Matthew Fiorenza (Cohort 043) is a retired Firefighter/Paramedic for The City of Anaheim in Orange County, CA. Matt holds a degree in Fire Science and is a member of the his Fire Department’s Peer Support Team with responsibility in the areas of Critical Incident Stress Debriefings, emotional support, awareness, guidance, mental health resources and has an empathetic ear. Matt speaks in peer support classes and to many First Responder Agencies across California spreading awareness to the growing suicide problem among the first responder population. Matt also works as an Outreach Specialist for Simple Recovery, a premier treatment center in Costa Mesa, CA, for First Responders. Here Matt created a Support Group that holds meetings once a week where Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans can come to share their experience, strength and hope.
When Matt and his wife, Elizabeth (Cohort 068), aren’t spending time with their three sons, Logan, Nathan and Charlie, they spend time fundraising for Save A Warrior. They also attend local firefighter union, law enforcement and veteran events spreading the word about the life saving work we are doing at Save A Warrior. Matt was so amazingly transformed by his week spent at SAW he has dedicated his life to making the experience available to those who are in need.