Matt Van Ness. "Data", "Harold", "Kenny"...only certain members of the department will know these nicknames 😂

I started documenting the department back in 2009 when the City of Meriden wanted to close down Engine 3 "Headquarters" on Broad Street. I was in high school at the time, a senior and my childhood best friend's father was on the job. He reached out to see if I would put together a short video highlighting the department, its operations and how the city would suffer if "HQ" was closed down. Few weeks into riding with the companies and documenting "tape" footage, I had some content to put together a video to be presented to the city council. Engine 3 "HQ" was ultimately kept in service, not because of my video but for other reasons

and ever since, I've been hooked in the fire service and the City of Meriden Fire. Fast forward, here we are in 2025 and I'm still out on the streets documenting the brothers and sisters of the department, the job itself and the overall commitment this department serves to city residents and visitors. I am One of two official department photographers. Camera, radio and fire gear in tow, more than likely you will see me on scene.

Feel free to say hi or give a friendly wave.