Captain Matthew Walker’s Battle with Cancer and the Importance of Health in the Fire Service

Matthew Walker was born in Bogotá, Colombia. At an early age, he moved to the Connecticut, USA.
Later, Walker moved from Connecticut to North Carolina for college, starting at Western Carolina University before transferring to UNC Charlotte, where he earned a degree in psychology.

After graduation, he followed his future wife, Christabelle, to Illinois as she worked on her master’s degree. Soon he joined Charlotte Fire as a firefighter.

“I didn’t even know how to put the boots on. But we leaned on each other. It was a learning experience every single day. The people I work with – they’re my family. 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. At first, he brushed it off but mentioned it during a routine physical. His doctor suggested additional tests, and just weeks later, Walker received a life-altering diagnosis: papillary thyroid cancer.

Hearing the word “cancer” was like the ground beneath him suddenly giving way. While Walker had encountered countless life-threatening situations throughout his career, this felt different – more personal and urgent. His first thoughts were of his family – his wife Christabelle, his 8-year-old son Fabian, and his 6-year-old daughter Matildé.

“It was surreal. 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. 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.”

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. 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. We owe it to them to ensure they have the resources and support they need,” said Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson.

The helmet of Captain Matthew Walker, displaying his name and station, symbolizes his dedication to Charlotte Fire and his team.

Charlotte Fire has put several measures in place to protect their crew, including on-scene decontamination, access to gear laundering, providing a second set of turnout gear, and buying particulate-filtering hoods to minimize exposure. They also conduct yearly NFPA 1582 physicals and are part of the Wellness Fitness Initiative, which focuses on overall health and early detection of any potential issues.

After his treatment, Walker returned to the firehouse, thankful to be back doing the job he loved. However, the experience had changed the way he viewed things.

“For me, it’s about being present in the moment and appreciating every day. 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,” he said.

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. 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. The dangers of this job don’t stop when the fire is out. We need to be proactive about protecting ourselves and our crews.”

Walker’s journey serves as a reminder of the strength and humanity at the heart of the fire service. Firefighters are often viewed as heroes, fearlessly stepping into danger. But they are also individuals – partners, parents, friends – who bear the emotional weight of their work every day.

“When people call us, it’s often their worst day. Our job is to bring calm to the chaos, to be the steady hand when everything else feels out of control,” Walker said.

As Charlotte Fire continues its fight against occupational cancer, Walker’s story stands as both an inspiration and a call for change. Firefighters commit their lives to keeping others safe, and it’s crucial they get the support and resources necessary to protect their own well-being.

For Walker, every call, every shift, and every moment with his family feels like a gift. His experience with both firefighting and cancer highlights the power of perseverance, the strength of community, and the unbreakable spirit of those who serve.

Further Reading:

Thyroid Cancer: What patients should know about

Sofia Vergara and Thyroid Cancer: How She Went Against, How She Survived, and More