Fire Department Deputy Chief selected

The Pittsburg Fire Department selected Matthew Claibourn as its new Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal. Claibourn has recently started his new role with the fire department.

Claibourn has spent 22 years with the Parsons Fire Department, serving as a battalion chief for the last 12.

“With a career dedicated to firefighting and public safety, Matthew brings a wealth of experience that will strengthen our department and further our mission of serving our community,” said Jack Spencer, Pittsburg Fire Department Fire Chief.

In his role as deputy fire chief and fire marshal, Claibourn will assist the fire chief in day-to-day operations. This includes managing a team of firefighters and other staff, as well as coordinating with other departments and agencies to ensure that the community is safe and protected. As fire marshal, he will oversee building inspections to ensure that buildings and other structures comply with fire safety regulations and codes.

In this role, Claibourn will work on fire safety initiatives in the community at schools and partnering with area agencies.

About Claibourn

Claibourn was born and raised in Altoona, Kansas. Growing up near animals in rural Kansas, his mom thought he would become a veterinarian. It was not part of Claibourn’s plan. Being around sick or hurt animals was not for him. Fast forward into his young adulthood, and he found himself at the Fredonia Fire Department, volunteering in a role that helps sick or hurt people, and ultimately, the occasional animal.

Inspired by the efforts of those who served as first responders on 911, he decided to make firefighting his vocation. In 2004, Claibourn was hired as a firefighter in Parsons, Kansas. He later became the battalion chief.

“My passion is the culture of the fire service,” Claibourn said. “By serving others, helping wherever we’re needed, and passing down traditional values while embracing new technology to make us smarter, faster, and better for our community.”