Draper Firefighters Keep Working While Mourning Fallen Brother
Aug 14, 2018, 1:47 PM
DRAPER, Utah – Firefighters with the Draper City Fire Department continued to serve and protect their city while mourning the loss of their brother, 42-year-old Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett.
Burchett died in the line of duty fighting the Mendocino Complex Wildfire in California. He was flown to a hospital where he died Monday night.
American flags were placed in front of the Draper City Hall in his memory Tuesday morning.
“These men are American heroes. They go out. They’ll literally stand in the fire to help other people. I don’t know how you get better than that. I know he was proud to do it. I know all of them are.”
“Chief Burchett leaves behind a wife and a handsome young son. He was 42 years old,” said Draper Mayor Troy Walker at one of the many press conferences held throughout the day.Twelve days ago, Burchett and four other Draper firefighters deployed to California to protect lives and property there.
Officials told KSL Burchett’s team members haven’t left his side. They’ve been pulled off the fire line and will soon return to Utah.
“They’ve stood by their brother and been with him the entire way,” said Walker.
“It’s tough. Anytime we lose a brother, it’s hard,” said Battalion Chief Bart Vawdry. “This will be felt across the country.”
Vawdry has known Burchett for more than 20 years. He said Burchett was “one of the most knowledgeable wildland firefighters I know.”
Burchett was hired just three months ago to oversee Draper’s wildland program and help with emergency operations. He spent 20 years at the Unified Fire Authority before that.
“We got into this profession to help people, and Matt jumped at the chance to go assist in California,” Vawdry said. “I think everybody in our department would do the same.”
Burchett was being remembered by his peers as a consummate professional and a good man with a dry wit who was the master of his craft.
“These men are American heroes,” Walker said. “They go out. They’ll literally stand in the fire to help other people. I don’t know how you get better than that. I know he was proud to do it. I know all of them are.”
In the coming days, officials said the fire department will be working with Cal Fire to get Burchett back home.
City officials said they will announce funeral plans and a donation fund for Burchett’s family in due time.
