ABOVE: Matt Lange has been selected as a recipient of ‘4 Under 40.’

TRUMAN– Matt Lange of Truman has been named a recipient of ‘4 Under 40.’ The program, now in its third year, recognizes up and coming leaders in Martin County.

Lange was born and raised in Madelia and graduated from high school there in 2006. After that he moved to Wilmar, where he studied law enforcement. While there he worked as a community service officer for the Wilmar Police Department.

He moved back to the area in 2010 and began working for Crystal Valley Co-Op in Vernon Center.

“I moved to Truman in 2015,” Lange said.

He said the decision to move to Truman was made because it was close to work. He said he likes that the town is small and quiet, making it a great place for families.

Lange’s family includes his wife, Kristen, and six children between them. He lovingly refers to his family as a modern day Brady Bunch.

In 2018 Lange began working as a paramedic for Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service in Fairmont.

“It’s something different everyday. I get to help people during sickness and injury. It’s rewarding being able to be there for someone who needs help,” Lange said.

While he works predominately out of Fairmont, Lange does quite a bit fo traveling with his job doing transfers all over Martin County.

Lange also teaches for south central EMS and is an EMS instructor with SASCS (Safety and Security Consultation Specialists).

“It kind of fills my time,” Lange said.

In addition to work and teaching, Lange spend a lot of his time volunteering.

He joined as a volunteer for the Truman Fire Department in 2015 and in 2016 he joined Truman Ambulance. Right now he’s the assistant director of the Truman Ambulance. He also serves as an advisor for Post 1905 Youth Fire Explorers in Truman.

“I think it’s a good idea to get involved in volunteer services, whether it’s the EMS side or fire department side. As time goes on and older generations retire, someone needs to be there to fill those shoes,” Lange said.

He said they’re extremely fortunate in Truman to have so many volunteers that their rosters are nearly full, but noted that it hasn’t always been like that.

“Some cities don’t have that luxury so I’d tell people that volunteering in those departments is important for the health and safety of the community,” Lange said.

Of being selected for the award, Lange said, “It was a good feeling knowing that someone thought an award was deserved. It was a definitely a surprise. It’s nice to know that some of the hard work is recognized and that there are other recipients giving back and doing good in the community.”

The recognition event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on March 14 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Fairmont. At that time Lange, along with Tonya Mortensen, Betsy Tino and Britany Anderson will be recognized. Tickets can be found, along with more information, at twinvalleybsa.org/4under40.