Matt Bailey, a member of the Grand County High School Class of 1983, has worked full-time for Grand County for the past 15 years. He currently serves as a staff assistant assigned to various county administrative departments, including maintenance, the senior center, and the county courthouse.

Matt first started working for Grand County Sheriff Jim Nyland as a 911 dispatcher in 1989. That job became full-time in 1993, and he’s been working for the county ever since.

Matt said his high school education helped prepare him for his future career. “I had first aid from Glen Richeson and took several business classes from his wife, Pat,” recalls Matt, who moved to Provo after graduating from GCHS and earned his associates degree in business from Utah Valley Community College in Orem.

“I worked as a 911 dispatcher in Springville for a few years before moving back to Moab,” he added.

“I came back to Moab because this is my home. I was born here,” said Matt, noting that his family had moved from California to Moab in 1962, three years before Matt (the youngest sibling in the family) was born.

Matt’s parents are Ivan “Sug” Bailey and Marlene Bailey. Sug and Marlene still live in Moab in the Walker Street home where they’ve lived for many years. Sug, who also grew up in Moab and attended GCHS, is arguably the biggest BYU fan living in Moab.

Sug and Marlene are the parents of four children: Dennis Bailey, Pam Every, Brenda Stone, and Matt Bailey. All except Dennis currently live in Moab.

Matt didn’t play sports in high school, but did participate in speech and played baritone in the school band. Another one of his favorite teachers was Donna Brownell. “I really enjoyed her U.S. History class,” said Matt.

Matt said he misses the popular fast-food hangouts that came and went during his childhood years in Moab, including A&W, the Taco Bender, Frosty Freeze, and the Westerner Grill. He said he also enjoyed watching music videos on MTV during its formative years, and still enjoys listening to 1980s music from that era.

Matt still enjoys attending an occasional Red Devil basketball game, and knows a lot of the current high school students.

Matt added that he enjoys living in Moab because of the unique physical terrain of the Canyonlands area. “I love to go hiking,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, but haven’t gotten my license yet,” added Matt, who nevertheless enjoys flying in small planes around the Moab area.

Matt also works as a receptionist and billing clerk for audiologist Dr. David Ward at Arches Audiology.

Matt also is an active member of the local Elks Lodge No. 2021, and participates in various fundraising activities and community service projects.