Paulding County First Responder, Trainer, Retires After 24 Years

DALLAS, GA — A longtime first responder with Paulding County Fire & Rescue retired Thursday after 24 years on the job.

Steve Mattix was already working for DeKalb County when he was recruited by his hometown Paulding County fire department as its training officer. Mattix's experience was especially important as Paulding County's fire department grew from all-volunteer to professional.

Mattix trained and mentored hundreds of personnel, who all appreciated his penchant for using humor to teach, said Lt. Steve Mapes, spokesperson for Paulding County Fire & Rescue.

He finished the last few years of his career in Paulding County as a fire apparatus operator, most recently responsible for Engine 8 in the Crossroads area.

Mattix also retired recently from DeKalb County Fire & Rescue after 30 years of service. He served DeKalb as a captain and was frequently called up as an acting battalion chief.

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