Page 4 - East County Leader - March 2014

SPOTLIGHT

east county leader

He may be outnumbered at home, but he’s one of a kind

Devoted family man and public servant, Greg Matthews believes in paying opportunity forward

A lifelong Gresham resident, Greg Matthews began his career as a first responder in the police department 27 years ago. He was well known among middle school students as a

DARE officer and named Officer of the Year by the Fraternal Order of Eagles in 1997. OUTLOOK PHOTO: JIM CLARK

his 49 years than most people do in a I consider it an honor to wear the uni- deavors, with an easy smile, quick wit
Story by Anne Endicott
lifetime.
form and I’m comfortable with the du- and unlagging ability to see potential
But ater 27 years as one of the city’s ties, but I ind the uniform a bit over the and goodness in everyone.
As a youngster growing up in Gresh-
am, Greg Matthews could be counted on irst responders, Matthews recently top.”
When it comes to Gresham’s identity,

to ferry his neighbors’ groceries from found himself in garb identifying him No one could ever accuse Greg Mat- Matthews is among a select few easily as-
their car to the house. During his teen as ire chief for Gresham Fire and Emer- thews of seeking to be the center of atten- sociated with the city’s image.

years, he worked the sidewalk sale at gency Services.
tion. In fact, Matthews will say he abhors Matthews describes himself as an av-
the former H.R. Hicks department store “During the inal itting of my dress it. Yet it seems like he’s everywhere — erage kid during his years at East Gresh-

downtown and even served customers uniform, I looked down to see ive gold community events, MC’ing fundraisers am Grade School and Dexter McCarty
from the drive-through window at a lo- bands on each sleeve, and I felt like I and award ceremonies and, until recent- Middle School. He wasn’t a leader, he

cal Arby’s.
should be captain of the Love Boat or ly, speaking from the loor of the Oregon said, but more like the class clown. Ater
Matthews is a homegrown boy who perhaps carrying luggage at the Hilton,” House of Representatives in Salem. He’s graduating from Gresham High School

has probably helped more neighbors in
Matthews said, laughing. “In all honesty,
like a magnet, attracting others to his en-
in 1982, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and

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march 2014