Fire Board Appoints Matt Turturici as New Fire Chief

Turturici Brings Three Decades of Experience to the Role

San Mateo, CA (Jan. 30, 2025) – The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Board has appointed Deputy Chief Matt Turturici to be the next SMC Fire Chief effective Feb. 2, 2025.

Turturici, who has served as Deputy Chief of SMC Fire Department since August 2021, brings more than 30 years of experience in the fire service, emergency medical services, and leadership roles, 27 of which were at SMC Fire Department and the City of San Mateo Fire Department. He has worked closely for the past four years with the current Fire Chief, Kent Thrasher, who is retiring.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt as our new Fire Chief,” said SMC Fire Board Chair Julia Mates. “With a wealth of experience across every role in the fire service, Matt brings exceptional operational expertise. His proven leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve have garnered him the trust and respect of his colleagues, team members, and the public.”

In this new role, Turturici will oversee planning and implementation of the department’s $52.6 million budget, and lead a team of 160 staff in San Mateo, Belmont and Foster City. He will direct departmental operations of fire suppression, community risk reduction, and administration, as well as supervise affirmative action, safety and emergency preparedness activities and more.

“Having served the past few years as Deputy Chief, I understand the commitment and responsibility that comes with being the next Fire Chief, and am honored to serve this department and community,” said Turturici. “As a leader in the fire service, no matter what position, I know that success is built on trust, and I am humbled by everyone’s unwavering trust and support. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to ensure our department is prepared for the future. Part of that future is also continuing our commitment to service both on and off duty, and we will continue to make it a part of the fabric of San Mateo Consolidated Fire.”

Turturici was born and raised in San Carlos, and went to high school in San Mateo. He currently lives in Brentwood with his wife of 30 years, Andrea. He has three adult children: Morgan (29) and Madie (25) and son Casey (22).

To learn more about SMC Fire, visit the Department webpage.