After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Michael Matros joined the fire department, fell in love with fire service, and has committed his life to it ever since.
Not only has Matros continued to serve his community as a firefighter in Sudbury and EMS front line worker, but he started Red Line Gear Cleaning, a company keeping firefighters safe by cleaning their uniforms and equipment, which helps to reduce the rate of cancer among firefighters. His cleaning company has helped clean fire stations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matros additionally founded the Hero’s Cup Foundation to raise money for first responders. Through his leadership, the Hero’s Cup Foundation’s hockey tournament raises more than $1 million dollars per year, includes 110 teams, attracts players and fans from 27 states and three countries, and is expanding to Nashville and Tampa this year. Matros previously partnered with the Boston Bruins, helping to add $500,000 to their yearly charitable giving to first responders. He has more than 20 certifications in fire service and sits on three National Fire Protection Association committees. Matros ran the Boston Marathon five times and devotes himself to the community not just through fire service, but also through coaching youth basketball and hockey and charitable giving towards mental health, cancer prevention, and line-of-duty death support.
What is the first thing you’ll do after the pandemic is over? Get the foundation strong and have an event, so we can continue to help.
What are you proudest of? My kids, every day they amaze me. Watching them grow into young adults is my proudest accomplishment.
