South Salem’s Matt Yorke Named Fire Chief of the Year

South Salem Fire Department Chief Matthew “Matt” Yorke was named Fire Chief of the Year by the Association of Fire Districts of Westchester County on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The award was presented at the Association’s annual meeting and dinner, held at Rio’s Modern Italian in Thornwood.

Each year, the Association accepts nominations from fire district members across Westchester County for four awards: Commissioner of the Year, Fire Chief of the Year, Fire District Officer of the Year, and Achievement of the Year. Chief Yorke was nominated by South Salem Fire District Commissioner Michael Lombardi and selected by the Association in recognition of his decades of dedicated service to the department and his ability to stay calm and composed in stressful situations.

Chief Yorke’s service to South Salem began in 1992, when he joined the department as a Venturer. He became a Junior Member at age 16 in 1995 and a full member at 18. His leadership journey began in 2001 as Second Lieutenant of the Rescue Company, and he rose through the ranks as Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief before becoming Chief. Along the way, he has always given 100 percent, whether responding to calls, training at drills, attending meetings, or planning and working the department’s open house.

Those who serve alongside him know him for his steady hand. Whether on the fireground or at the firehouse, Chief Yorke has a way of easing tensions and consistently takes the high road to keep the department working together. That composure was on display this past April during the Old Shop Road fire, a tragic and complex incident that brought nearly 100 first responders to the scene. Chief Yorke led from the command post, ensuring the right resources, personnel, and apparatus were in place, and remained on scene with investigators into the early morning hours.

Chief Yorke was joined at the dinner by members of the South Salem Fire Department, including Assistant Chief Mike Davison, Ex-Chief Avery Scott, Ex-Chief and Commissioner Michael Lombardi, Firefighter Mike Kis, and Firefighter Chris Johnson, along with Battalion 13 Jason Blauvelt and Lewisboro Town Supervisor Tony Goncalves.

The South Salem Fire Department congratulates Chief Yorke on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his continued leadership and service to our community.