California Fire Fighter Loses Battle with Meningitis

March 14, 2008 – The IAFF is sad to report the March 10 passing of Murrieta, CA Local 3540 fire fighter Matt Moore. Moore was hospitalized on and off since November 2007 with a rare form of meningitis caused by exposure the Balamuthia mandrillaris amoeba. It is so rare that less than 150 people have ever been diagnosed with it.

A memorial will be held in his honor on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at 11:00 a.m at Calvary Chapel Murrieta, located at 24225 Monroe Avenue.

“We have truly lost one of our best,” says Mike Ramos, president of Local 3540. “Not only was Brother Moore the kind of fire fighter you wanted on the fire ground with you, but he was also a mentor to aspiring fire fighters.”

Moore initially was thought to be suffering from a bad case of the flu coupled with extreme headaches. It wasn’t until January 2008 that doctors performed a brain biopsy, the only way to diagnose this form of meningitis. The test came back positive, but the disease had progressed too far for treatment to be effective.

After Moore died, the members of Local 3540 organized a processional to escort the fire fighter’s body from a San Diego hospital back to Murrieta. Fire departments between the two cities posted apparatus at every overpass. Local 3540 fire fighters reported seeing so many apparatus that there was no way to count the total number.

“This is tough on everybody,” says Matt Corelli, a Local 3540 member who has been assisting the Moore family. “What we hope will come of this is that people will be more aware of the disease and future lives will be saved. Meanwhile, the Murrieta Firefighters Association is doing all it can to emotionally and financially support the family.”

Moore is survived by his wife, Sherry, and his three teenage children: Alyssa, Trent and Branden.

During this sad time, Murrieta Local 3450 has set up a memorial fund for Moore’s family. Send donations to:
Matt Moore Family Fund
Attn: Natalie Martinez - Wells Fargo Business Banking Specialist
41232 Murrieta Hot Springs Road
Murrieta, CA 92562

For further information on the memorial service, visit Murrieta Local 3450’s web site.