Billy Matthias began his fire service career in 2003 as a volunteer at the Swansboro Fire Department, and then worked at Nags Head Fire Department. He became employed full-time with the Emerald Isle Fire Department in November 2006. He progressed through various fire service fundamental courses over the years to include NC Fire & Life Safety Educator 3, NC Fire Prevention Inspector 3, NC Fire Officer 3, and working towards becoming a certified fire investigator. In October 2022, he graduated from Columbia Southern with a Masters in Public Administration with concentration in Emergency Services Management.