A Charlotte Firefighter’s Battle with Cancer and Dedication to Service
Published on January 19, 2025
With determination etched on his face, Captain Matthew Walker represents the courage and strength of Charlotte Firefighters, having faced the dual challenges of cancer and a demanding career in service.
By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire
Every firefighter’s story begins with a spark—an interest, an opportunity, or a chance meeting that sets them on a path of service and sacrifice. For Captain Matthew Walker of Charlotte Fire, that spark came unexpectedly. Over his 18-year career, he has navigated the challenges of firefighting, built a second family with his crew, and faced a personal battle with cancer that tested his resilience like never before. His journey is a testament to the courage and determination firefighters embody both on and off the job.
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Walker’s life began in one world and grew into another. Adopted as an infant, he was raised in Connecticut, where he navigated a tumultuous childhood. His parents divorced when he was young, and his mother struggled with alcoholism. Walker recalls moments of police intervention and a household with added conflict. These early experiences, while difficult, gave him a unique perspective on life.
“I think growing up in that environment made me more equipped to handle tough situations,” Walker said. “It taught me to separate emotions from the task at hand and focus on what needs to be done.”
Walker left Connecticut to attend college in North Carolina, first at Western Carolina University and later at UNC Charlotte, where he earned a degree in psychology. His path into firefighting was anything but direct. After college, he followed his future wife, Christabelle, to Illinois while she pursued her master’s degree. The couple eventually returned to Charlotte, where Walker found steady work with FedEx. It was during his time there that a colleague, who was in the process of joining Charlotte Fire, introduced him to the idea of becoming a firefighter.
Captain Matthew Walker in full gear, seated in the cab of Ladder 16, ready to lead his crew into action and serve the community.
“He told me about the job, the retirement benefits, and the camaraderie,” Walker recalled. “At the time, I wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but I decided to take the written test. Eighteen years later, here I am.”
Walker describes his early days in the fire service as a whirlwind. Coming from a background with little hands-on technical experience, everything was new. Recruit school was both mentally and physically demanding, but the camaraderie among his classmates made it rewarding.
“I didn’t even know how to put the boots on,” Walker said, laughing. “But we leaned on each other. It was a learning experience every single day.”
That sense of teamwork extended into his career, where Walker found a second family in his fellow firefighters. “The people I work with—they’re my family,” he said. “We rely on each other, not just to do the job, but to get through the emotional and physical demands that come with it.”
In late 2012, Walker noticed a lump on his neck. Initially dismissing it, he mentioned it during a routine physical. His doctor recommended further tests, and within weeks, Walker received a diagnosis that would change his life: papillary thyroid cancer.
A reflective moment for Captain Matthew Walker at Firehouse 16, highlighting the human side of firefighting and the personal sacrifices made in the line of duty.
Hearing the word “cancer” felt like the ground shifting beneath him. Walker had faced countless dangerous situations in his career, but this battle felt personal and immediate. His first thoughts were of his family—his wife Christabelle, his son Fabian, then 8, and his daughter Matildé, then 6.
“It was surreal,” he said. “I had no symptoms beyond the lump, and I kept hearing from doctors that it was probably nothing. But then, all of a sudden, I’m hearing the word ‘cancer.’ It stops you in your tracks.”
Walker’s medical team acted quickly. He underwent a total thyroidectomy, removing his thyroid and surrounding tissue. The treatment process also included a strict low-iodine diet and a radioactive iodine pill, requiring him to isolate himself from his family for several weeks.
“That isolation was one of the hardest parts,” Walker said. “I couldn’t be near my wife or kids. Even my dog had to stay away. But I knew it was necessary to keep them safe.”
The helmet of Captain Matthew Walker, proudly displaying his name and station, symbolizes his dedication to Charlotte Fire and his team.
Despite the challenges, Walker considered himself fortunate. The cancer was caught early, and his doctors reassured him that papillary thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable forms. Still, the experience left an indelible mark on him and deepened his appreciation for life and family.
“My wife, Christabelle, was incredible through it all,” he said. “She took care of everything—grocery shopping, managing the kids, running the household—while I focused on recovery. I couldn’t have done it without her.”
Walker’s experience is far from unique. Cancer remains the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters, contributing to 75% of such cases. The risks are tied to the exposure firefighters face from toxic chemicals, smoke, and other hazardous materials during fires and overhauls. These exposures accumulate over a career, often manifesting as health problems long after retirement.
The Charlotte Fire Department, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, has taken significant steps to combat this epidemic.
“We’re committed to protecting our firefighters, not just while they’re on the job, but long after they leave the service,” said Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. “We owe it to them to ensure they have the resources and support they need.”
Charlotte Fire’s initiatives include on-scene decontamination procedures, access to gear laundering, issuing a second set of turnout gear, and purchasing particulate filtering hoods to reduce exposure. They also conduct annual NFPA 1582 physicals and participate in the Wellness Fitness Initiative to promote overall health and early detection of potential issues.
Standing in front of Ladder 16 at Charlotte Firehouse 16, Captain Matthew Walker reflects on his 18-year career and personal journey through firefighting and cancer survival.
Walker returned to the firehouse after his treatment, grateful to resume the job he loved. But the experience had shifted his perspective.
“For me, it’s about being present in the moment and appreciating every day,” he said. “I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff. I’m here to serve the public, and whatever happens during my 24-hour shift, I’m ready to take it on.”
Walker’s crew and colleagues rallied around him during his recovery, showing the strength of the bonds forged in the fire service. “The support I received was overwhelming,” he said. “It reminded me why I love this job and the people I work with.”
Now cancer-free, Walker uses his experience to mentor younger firefighters and emphasize the importance of health and safety practices. “We have to look out for each other,” he said. “The dangers of this job don’t stop when the fire is out. We need to be proactive about protecting ourselves and our crews.”
Captain Walker stands confidently in front of the fire trucks at Firehouse 16, a testament to his resilience and leadership after overcoming a battle with cancer.
Walker’s journey is a reminder of the resilience and humanity that define the fire service. Firefighters are often seen as heroes, rushing into danger without hesitation. But they are also people—spouses, parents, friends—who carry the weight of their work with them.
“When people call us, it’s often their worst day,” Walker said. “Our job is to bring calm to the chaos, to be the steady hand when everything else feels out of control.”
As Charlotte Fire continues its efforts to combat occupational cancer, Walker’s story serves as both an inspiration and a call to action. Firefighters dedicate their lives to protecting others, and it’s imperative that they receive the support and resources they need to protect their own health.
For Walker, every call, every shift, and every moment with his family is a gift. His journey through firefighting and cancer is a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of community, and the enduring spirit of those who serve.