Payne to focus on community’s ‘safety and well-being’

by Chris Studor 

Hinckley’s new Fire Chief Matt Payne comes to the township with 38 years of experience saying he is “fully committed to upholding the highest standards of leadership, professionalism, and service to Hinckley Township.” 

Payne was born into firefighting, he says, as his father was a volunteer with the city of Brunswick’s Fire Department. He replaces Jestin Grossenbaugh who resigned last fall.

“When I turned 18, I knew if I wanted to spend time with my father, I’d better start volunteering with him,” said Payne, who graduated from the Medina County Career Center. Like his father before him, Payne built his career working for the Brunswick Department, first on a part-time basis, then fulltime, working up to the rank of lieutenant. Prior to that he work as a truck and diesel mechanic. 

Payne said he has been considering applying for a chief’s position for several years, as he will be retiring from his position with the Brunswick department and feels working as chief for the Hinckley Fire Department will mean he “can keep doing what [he] loves.”

“Everyone has been very welcoming,” Payne said. “I am grateful for the unwavering support of my fellow firefighters. I believe in the power of teamwork, and I am eager to work with each person to continue to advance the Hinckley Fire Department. Together we will tackle the challenges we face with courage, innovation, and relentless focus on the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

Payne said he is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, open communication and mutual respect within the fire department.

“People know my expectations,” he said. “I believe that by empowering and supporting each fire department member, we can achieve new heights of excellence and effectiveness in our service to the community.” said Payne. 

Payne said during his years with the Brunswick department he has seen the job of firefighter change in many ways. 

“I can remember that show called Emergency in the 1970s – everyone back then wanted to be a firefighter,” he said. “Back in the early days, the local funeral home sent the ambulance to accident scenes. The next step was training Emergency Medical Technicians and now it’s advanced to highly trained paramedics and EMTs. It is very intense now and years ago I could have never imagined what is required of firefighters today.”

When not at the firehouse, Payne said he enjoys boating in the Sandusky area and riding his motorcycle. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Brunswick, and he has one grown daughter.“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this remarkable group of individuals and I am excited about the journey ahead,” Payne said. “With your support and dedication, I am confident that we will continue to uphold the proud traditions of the Hinckley Fire Department and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.” 

photo caption: New Hinckley Fire Chief, Matthew Payne, stands by the township’s new fire engine. Chief Payne comes to Hinckley Township with more than 38 years of experience. Photo by Chris Studor.