Matt Larson

Background

About Matt Larson

Matt Larson is an experienced fire investigator and emergency management professional with a diverse background in fire service, law enforcement, and incident management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Administration with a minor in Fire Investigations from Columbia Southern University and is a NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. His primary responsibilities include origin and cause determination, investigating arson, fraud, and incendiary fires. In addition to his role in the public sector, Matt conducts fire investigations for New England Fire Cause and Origin (NEFCO), where he specializes in subrogation, fraud, and accidental fire loss investigations for insurance carriers. Matt’s career in public safety began as a search and rescue volunteer, leading to several years as a firefighter for municipal and rural fire agencies. He later transitioned to law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff, where he gained extensive experience in patrol, investigations, marine patrol, illicit marijuana enforcement, fire investigations, and search and rescue coordination. He also served as a PIO, interagency all-risk team member, and supervisor of county park ranger staff, ensuring public safety across diverse environments. Currently, Matt is an active member of the North Bay Incident Management Team (Type 3) and has served in nearly every capacity on Type 1 and Type 2 Teams, including Operations Section Chief, Planning, Logistics, Facilities, and Incident Safety. He also played a key role in the Marin County EOC as a Planning Section Chief and Law and Fire Mutual Aid Coordinator. An experienced instructor, he teaches courses in emergency management, fire behavior, first aid, and tactical wilderness operations and is a licensed drone pilot. Matt is currently pursuing his MS in Fire Executive Leadership with a focus on Public Administration and is committed to advancing his expertise in community risk reduction, fire investigations, fire ground operations, and leadership.