On Friday, City Manager David Fierke announced his selection of Price, currently the assistant fire chief, to become the next Fort Dodge fire chief, pending City Council approval.

Council approval is widely expected and following it Price will assume the duties of chief on March 1 after the retirement of current Chief Steve Hergenreter.

“I’m excited,” said Price. “My family is excited. My boys ask me each day if I’m chief yet as they’ve followed me through the process. This is my dream job. I’m looking forward to taking the department to the next level and to do and try new things and serve the community in the best way that we can.”

Price has been with the Fort Dodge Fire Department for more than two years but has been active in fire departments in central Iowa for the past 18 years.

“Matt’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and alignment with our mission and values make him an ideal choice to lead our Fire Department,” Fierke said. “We look forward to the future of Fort Dodge Fire Rescue under his direction.”

Price’s professional experience includes his role at the Fort Dodge Fire Department as assistant chief since Oct. 31, 2022. In that capacity, he oversees recruitment, staffing, and department standard operating guidelines.

Before that, he served as captain of emergency medical services and shift commander at the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department. There he directed the department’s training program and EMS system plus led a team of 11 firefighters. He also served as assistant chief at the all-volunteer Dallas Center Fire Department, overseeing training, department protocols, and standard operating guidelines.

Price has also served in executive and operations roles and has experience developing and implementing training programs, managing fire equipment and training records, and overseeing EMS operations. He has written and received federal grants. Price also has experience with municipal budgeting processes and holds multiple certifications, including Fire Officer 2, Instructor 2, Fire Inspector, and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and Iowa Paramedic certification.

“Part of the draw for me to come here was to work under Steve,” said Price. “It’s been a great last two-and-a-half years learning from him. His mentorship has been great. Stepping into his role will be a challenge. He’s worked here for 35 years and knows everything about everything. My initial goal, I want to try to maintain what he’s done and the positives he’s been able to create.”

Price was one of six applicants for the fire chief role when it was opened in 2024. After reviewing the applications, two candidates were determined to meet the minimum requirements and were invited by the City of Fort Dodge to move forward in the process. Both applicants submitted interrogatory answers, were placed on the civil service list, and were interviewed by a multi-member panel.

The City Council is expected to confirm Price’s appointment at its Feb. 24 meeting.

Price holds a master’s in public administration from Drake University in Des Moines and is a Certified Public Manager in Iowa. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Waldorf University in Forest City.

He and his wife, Natalie, a Fort Dodge native, have two young sons, Mason and Myles, with a third son joining the family in early February 2025.