The Chapel Hill Town Council meeting last Wednesday started out a little differently than usual.

Mayor Pam Hemminger began the meeting by calling Chapel Hill Fire Chief Matt Sullivan up to the podium. The council had a proclamation to honor him for his many long and influential years of service, as well as a gift of its appreciation.

“You’re going to laugh: we also have a key to the city for you,” Hemminger said. “You probably can get into every building in the city already by yourself, but it’ll be a friendly reminder that you know how to do that.”

Sullivan was originally hired as a public safety officer at the Chapel Hill Police Department while completing his undergraduate degree at UNC in 1988. In his early career, he served as a public officer, firefighter and D.A.R.E. officer before earning his master’s degree in social work. After graduation, he rejoined the Chapel Hill Police Department as a member of the Police Crisis Unit.

Learning and furthering his education was a big part of Sullivan’s life.

“Matt later returned to school to pursue a law degree at North Carolina Central University whereas he put his law degree to work by serving as one of the town’s police attorneys,” Hemminger said.

In 2013, Sullivan was asked to lead the Chapel Hill Planning and Inspections Department. From there, he assumed the position of Emergency Manager of the town. According to Hemminger, Sullivan’s performance in the position displayed “the leadership and calm that led to his appointment to the position of fire chief.”

At the end of Hemminger’s proclamation of Sullivan’s service, she announced one more community honor: Matt Sullivan Day – which will be celebrated on Wednesday January 29.

While Sullivan said he appreciated the recognition, he also wanted to give credit to the other members of the fire department who go out in the community and, in his words, “do things daily that most of us wouldn’t.”

“I wouldn’t be here was it not for great people, great teams and great support because all of this has been because folks like them,” Sullivan said. “So, they deserve the accolades and the appreciation tonight.”

Earlier in the year, Sullivan shared some of his retirement plans.

“My garden has been non-existent for the past five years,” Sullivan said. “I want to learn how to bake bread, I think. There’s a book in me that has wanted to be written for a long time. So, I just want to take a breath.”

Sullivan’s last day is set for January 31, according to the town manager.

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