Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District
The Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District (SFEFD) is a tax payer funded public safety government agency charged with the responsibility of providing fire suppression, emergency medical response, and rescue services to the Sherwood Forest Estates, Mountain Rose Ranch Estates, and an adjoining 330 acre parcel of Arizona State Trust land. The Fire District is governed by a five member board. The Fire Department is commanded by a veteran Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, and a trained group of volunteer firefighters. The fire station is located at the north end of Little John Road and houses eight fire vehicles, support equipment, and emergency supplies to combat wildland and structure fires. The station also has a ready supply of 60,000 gallons of water.
For general fire department questions and related information call (928) 220-5207; however, for emergencies always call 9-1-1.
Sherwood Forest Estates Fire Department Welcomes Matt McDowell as its New Chief
Matthew McDowell is a 5th generation Arizonan, born in Phoenix. After moving around multiple times his parents settled in Beaver Creek, located in the Verde Valley. Matthew played every sport he could in high school. Lettering in golf, track, basketball, and football. He was very busy while maintaining good grades.
After high school he was the first in his family to go to college. Matthew continued playing basketball in college until an injury ultimately ended his sports career. During his summers off from college he worked for the YMCA as a summer camp counselor. This is where he met the love of his life, future wife, Brienne. After his initial run at college, Matthew worked in the construction field for a number of years. During this time Brienne and Matthew had their first boy, Paxton. Eventually feeling unfulfilled in his career choice, and getting positive pressure from his loving wife, he went back to college. This time he received his Emergency Medical Technician certification, graduated from the fire academy as the class president, and received a degree in Emergency Response and Operations.
Matthew jumped at the opportunity to work in his hometown with Lake Montezuma Fire District as a reserve firefighter. Matthew immersed himself in learning from some great individuals. Being a very competitive time to get a full-time offer, Matthew continued applying everywhere statewide. After competing and applying for jobs for over a year, he was offered a full-time position with Page Fire Department. Keeping the hunger for the career field, Matthew continued training and learning. He was promoted through the ranks to Captain.
In 2019 the McDowell family (now 4 with the addition of a second boy, Brecken) decided it was time to move out of the city where they were just not happy. While shopping for their future home, they happened to be in the right place at the right time. They were able to find their current home in Sherwood Forest Estates. Matthew was in the neighborhood for approximately 30 minutes before his loving wife bragged to the right person that he was a full-time firefighter. After an interview with Chief Marx, he was brought on as the Assistant Fire Chief with Sherwood Forest Estates Fire District. He has worked in that capacity since, serving with Chief Marx and Chief Moede.
After numerous tragic calls and the sudden loss of his father, Matthew decided to step away from the Page FD to pursue a different career path. His wife had other plans for him and eventually he applied for a Captain’s position at Northern Arizona Fire District in Kingman. A department in transition, Matthew was honored to help where he could. Matthew focused heavily on firefighter mental health and resiliency. Helping change the stigma that firefighters can’t discuss what they feel after calls or day to day stressors. In 2022 Matthew was promoted to Battalion Chief with Northern Arizona Fire District.
Matthew has a book full of certificates and a long list of trainings, just like any other firefighter in his position. He is most proud of helping firefighters through their struggles and helping them work through difficult times. Working for both departments and helping coach the numerous sports that his boys play keeps Matthew very busy. Yet, he is quoted as saying “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”