Matt McAreavey
Chief, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue
Appointed Fire Chief for the City of Sioux Falls on February 15, 2021, Chief McAreavey oversees the following:
- 12 fire stations with more than 200 team members,
- Fire Administration, Professional Standards, and Operations divisions,
- Fire Prevention Bureau,
- Office of Emergency Management.
He began his service with SFFR in 2002, serving as a firefighter before being promoted to fire apparatus operator in 2008. He was promoted to fire captain in 2009, until being name battalion chief in 2014, the position he held until becoming fire chief.
Chief McAreavey received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Augustana University. He was named to the university’s “Forward Under 40” honorary alumni list.
Professional passion: “Our people. Sioux Falls enjoys some of the best and most engaged emergency responders anywhere in the world. Our only product is service, and my mission is to support our people so they can deliver exemplary service to our community.”
Best part of my job: “Collaborating across our community. I find that my most fulfilling days are when I get to coordinate projects across multiple departments and find innovative community solutions.”
Personal interests: “My kids. My wife and I are in the season of life where our kids’ interests are our interests. Their calendars are filled with soccer, football, weightlifting, biking, fishing, and everything watersports. We love being outside!”