Matt Tanksley
Guadalupe County Fire Rescue
Seguin, TX
Matt Tanksley was nominated by Sylvia Castillo of Our Infinite Company. Mr. Tanksley serves his community with dedication and purpose as a full-time Firefighter/EMT with Guadalupe County Fire/Rescue and as a part-time volunteer Lieutenant with Martindale Fire Rescue. Over the past five years with Martindale Fire Rescue and two years with Guadalupe County, he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting and supporting the communities he serves.
Originally from Spring, Texas, Mr. Tanksley graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 2019 before continuing his education at Texas State University. While earning his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2024, he remained actively involved on campus as a member of the saxophone studio, marching band, and basketball band. During this time, he also began building his career in the fire service, completing EMT training in his sophomore year and fire academy in his junior year, showing an early and determined commitment to serving others.
His passion for the fire service is deeply personal. Inspired by the care his grandmother received from the Corpus Christi Fire Department, he developed a strong desire to give back and support those in need. That inspiration continues to guide his work today, as he approaches every call with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to making a difference, no matter how big or small the situation may be.
In addition to his roles in fire and emergency services, Mr. Tanksley extends his impact during the summer months as an EMT at Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, further serving the public in high-traffic environments. He believes that no call for service is ever the same or more important than another, and he approaches each one with equal urgency and care.
Mr. Tanksley embodies the true spirit of service. He views it as both an honor and a responsibility to serve his community, and his goal is simple yet powerful: to help someone new every single day. Through his dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment, Mr. Tanksley continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those around him.
