Copperas Cove Names Douglas Matthijetz New Fire Chief

The City of Copperas Cove appointed Douglas Matthijetz as Fire Chief on January 8, filling a key leadership role for the Copperas Cove Fire Department. The selection signals a focus on organizational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and expanded professional development within the department, areas Matthijetz emphasized throughout a 35-year career in fire service.

Matthijetz most recently served as Deputy Fire Chief with the Corpus Christi Fire Department. His resume includes operations, administration, emergency management, and professional development. During his tenure in Corpus Christi he managed an annual fire department budget exceeding $80 million, oversaw capital improvement projects and fire station construction, developed and revised departmental policies, and functioned as an Incident Commander for complex emergency responses.

Educational credentials listed by the city include a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management Administration from West Texas A&M University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from Del Mar College. Professional certifications include Master Firefighter, Fire Officer IV, Incident Commander, Fire Instructor III, and Fire Inspector. He also holds designations as a Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

The city highlighted Matthijetz’s track record securing grant funding and building training programs. He has successfully obtained more than $523,000 in grants for training and equipment, implemented department-wide career development programs, and worked with municipal partners on major infrastructure projects. His experience as an Incident Management Team reservist for statewide and national deployments adds capacity for regional mutual aid and emergency coordination.

For residents, the appointment could translate into more structured training, improved station facilities, and enhanced preparedness for large-scale incidents. Fiscal experience managing a substantial department budget also matters for local taxpayers as the city plans capital and operational spending in coming budget cycles.

The community is invited to attend a Swearing-In and Badge Pinning Ceremony for Chief Matthijetz on Friday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at 508 S. 2nd Street. He will assume his duties as Fire Chief effective January 26 and may be contacted at dmatthijetz@copperascovetx.gov or (254) 547-2514. Questions may be directed to Public Relations Director Kevin Keller at kkeller@copperascovetx.gov or (254) 547-4221 x6243.