The Brazos Valley Fire Academy Mission

At Brazos Valley Fire Academy, we are committed to providing excellence in education and training. Our goal is to prepare students for successful careers in fire fighting by fostering a learning environment that emphasizes technical skills, teamwork, and compassionate service. We empower our students to reach their full potential, embodying the knowledge, respect, and resilience needed to serve their communities with integrity and care.

The Program

The 15-week Fire Academy program at Brazos Valley Fire Academy offers a rigorous and comprehensive training pathway for those aspiring to become firefighters. This well-structured curriculum covers all critical elements of fire protection and emergency response.

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About Robert Matthews

Owner and Instructor at BVFA

With nearly four decades of dedicated service, Robert Matthews is an experienced firefighter and educator who has made significant contributions to fire protection and emergency medical services across Texas. He began his fire service career in March 1985 as a Crash Fire Rescue specialist in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years.       


Following his military service, Robert joined Med-Star Ambulance in Fort Worth, providing emergency medical services for four years before transitioning to the Mansfield Fire Department in 1993. Over his distinguished 27-year career with Mansfield, Robert rose to the rank of Captain, a position he held until his retirement in January 2021. During his time at Mansfield, he also served as interim Battalion Chief on several occasions, further demonstrating his leadership and operational expertise.

A fireman is kneeling in front of a large fire

In addition to his firefighting career, Robert has phas had a profound impact as an educator. He joined Hill College as a part-time instructor in August 1999, teaching Fire Protection and Emergency Medical programs. His commitment to shaping the next generation of firefighters led to his promotion to Fire Protection Program Coordinator in 2007, where he managed the college's fire science curriculum, supervised adjunct instructors, and developed a program that met the rigorous standards of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.


Throughout his career, Robert has earned numerous certifications, including Master Structural Firefighter, Fire Instructor III, Master Fire Inspector, Fire Officer II, and Wildland Firefighter. He is also a Licensed Paramedic, a Hazardous Materials Technician, and holds advanced certifications in the National Incident Management System (NIMS), including levels  700 and 800. His comprehensive expertise also includes qualifications as an Incident Safety Officer and Advanced EMS Coordinator.


Robert’s commitment to public service extends beyond the fire department. From 1995 to 2004, he served in the Texas Army National Guard, bringing his emergency response expertise to military operations. From 2021 to 2023, he worked at the Needham Fire Department and remains an active force in the community as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Whitney Volunteer Fire Department.