Matt Gerrits, City of Appleton Firefighter, has been named the recipient of the Fox Valley Technical College 2015 Outstanding Alumni Award.

Matt graduated from the FVTC Fire Protection program in 2000. In his current role, he also serves on the HAZMAT and Technical Rescue specialty teams and the Honor Guard. Matt completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and serves as an adjunct instructor for the FVTC Fire Protection program. Matt was also recently accepted in the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. This prestigious program only accepts around 250 applicants per year and will help him move toward his goal of becoming a Chief Officer.

In addition to being recognized by the Appleton Common Council with an Appleton Fire Department Recognition Award for his professional accomplishments, Matt was also awarded the 2011 Janet Berry Volunteer of the Year Award for his many volunteer involvements in the community. He donated the $5000 cash award to Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Matt’s firefighting career actually started with his work as a volunteer firefighter prior to his education at FVTC.

This annual award recognizes an FVTC graduate who has demonstrated the value of technical education through career advancement, community service, continued personal and education growth, and support of the technical college system.

To view past award recipients, visit www.fvtc.edu/Alumni.