Brockton, MA Local 144 member Matt Parziale is living out both of his dreams, being a fire fighter and a competitive golfer. Recently, he did what many competitive golfers strive to do: played the Masters Golf Tournament in August, Georgia.
“Because Parizale’s father, Vic, is also a fire fighter, many of us knew Matt long before he also became a fire fighter,” says Local 144 President William Hill. “He has worked hard to become a good fire fighter and on perfecting his game. We are proud of all of his accomplishments.”
Parziale began golfing golf as a child and never stopped. He was accepted to Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, where he led his team to a national championship in 2007.
After college, Parizale played the pro-golf tour for a while, but, in 2013, he answered a calling to the fire service. “Growing up around the firehouse with my dad, I got to see the camaraderie fire fighters have and the work they do every day to keep Brockton safe,” he says. “I am honored to be a part of it.”
Vic Parziale retired in December 2017 after 32 years with the Brockton Fire Department. But the two still see a lot of each other as Vic is Matt’s caddy.
Matt Parziale says that fire fighting and golf are two separate animals, but his work schedule does help make it possible to continue competing. In October 2017, he won the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, earning him a spot at the Masters.
After the first day of the Master’s Tournament, Parziale did not qualify to continue. But there was no time for rest, because he was off to play the 23rd annual Terra Cotta Invitational amateur tournament in Naples, Florida.
