Matt Russell is the training section chief at the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission. He served 26 years with Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service and worked his way through the ranks, serving on engine companies, truck companies, rescue units, hazmat and technical rescue companies. Russell served as chief of the Training and Safety Divisions and retired as the assistant chief of Training, Safety and Logistics. He holds an associate’s degree in fire science from Jefferson State Community College and a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from Athens State University. He is a paramedic, has earned more than 20 accredited certifications, and completed the EFO program at the National Fire Academy. Russell also serves as the state coordinator for the Alabama All-Hazards Incident Management Team.