PHOTO: The Galesburg Fire Department (GFD) selected Captain Matthew Cain as the 2023 Firefighter of the Year. The annual GFD Firefighter of the Year award recognizes significant contributions, achievements, character, and dedication of a firefighter or fire captain. Selection is based on criteria including skills and ability as a firefighter, performance of duties, motivation, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism. Candidates are nominated by the fire department staff, and the final selection is made by a consensus of the management staff, union president, and staff captain.
Captain Cain was appointed to the Galesburg Fire Department on February 16, 2003, and subsequently promoted to the rank of Captain on June 29, 2015.