Matthew Hughes first became interested in the emergency services field when he joined the Quaker Hill Fire Company at the age of 15. He joined the Waterford Ambulance Service and became an EMT at the age of 17. He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Waterford High School and then attended Utica College of Syracuse University where he obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. He also put his EMS skills to use working as a Student Athletic Trainer under the license of the college’s Athletic Trainer. Upon his return to Waterford, he remained active with the Waterford Ambulance Service.
Matthew joined the Army Reserve and served in the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion and subsequently the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion. He then transferred to the Connecticut Army National Guard and served in the 141st Medical Company (Ground Ambulance). There he had the privilege of responding in a convoy of ambulances to support the needs of New York City on September 11th, 2001. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant (E-5).
Matthew earned an Associate’s Degree, Nursing and obtained his Registered Nurse license. Matthew interned in the Emergency Department at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam Connecticut. Matthew then worked as an RN on a cardiac telemetry unit at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT. He became a front line leader as a Clinical Coordinator on the cardiac telemetry unit. Matthew currently works as a Nursing Supervisor responsible for the operations of the William W. Backus Hospital during the evenings, nights and weekends.