Volunteer Recruitment for the Emergency Services

Matt Aalto serves as Lieutenant/Training Officer for the Gaston Fire District and assists with recruitment and retention. Matt earned his Associates Degree in Fire Science from Portland Community College and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration from Eastern Oregon University, along with a Certificate in Leadership Effectiveness from Notre Dame’s College of Business. In 2019 he completed the NFA’s 2 year Managing Officer. Matt has worked directly with the IAFC, NVFC and NFA as an instructor and specialist. Matt Aalto brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, human resources and recruitment and retention. In 2011 he co-founded the Oregon Fire Recruitment Network that has helped the State of Oregon gain over 1000 line-firefighters since its inception by combining resources and recruitment efforts from across the state.

Jeff Cash, CFO, has over 43 years in the fire service and is the retired City Manager/Fire Chief of the City of Cherryville, North Carolina, his hometown. Currently, Chief Cash serves as the Training and Education Coordinator for Volunteer Fire Insurance Services of North Carolina (VFIS of NC).  Jeff also serves in the track services division, including fire protection/emergency medical services for the Speedway Motor Sports, (Charlotte Motor Speedway). He holds a degree in Fire Protection. He is a Past President of the NC State Firefighters Association. He has received the following recognitions: Cherryville FD Firefighter of the Year, Western NC Association Fire Officer of the Year, NCSFA Firefighter of the Year, NC Association of Fire Chief’s Career Chief of the Year, NC Society of Fire & Rescue Instructors, Instructor of the Year, the IAFC-VCOS-John Buckman Leadership Award, and the NVFC-James Monihan Leadership Award.  He also received the North Carolina American Legion Fire Service Person of the Year Award. Recently, upon his retirement, he was awarded the NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Roy Cooper.

He served on the Executive Committee (Secretary-Treasurer) of the National Volunteer Fire Council as North Carolina’s Director. Chief Cash is a previous member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Board of Directors. He also served as a principal committee member of NFPA 1021 and a Board member of the IAFC-Safety Health & Survival Section (NVFC Liaison).  He is an active fire service instructor, teaching since 1983. Chief Cash has testified twice before US Congressional Committees on Fire Service issues.  Chief Cash has spoken or taught in 36 states. Chief Cash also serves on the Caromont Health System Board of Directors, as Chairman.