By Peter McKernan, Kyle Hauducoeur and Dan Nelson
BRANDON DiDONATO
Starting out in the paid-call (PCF) ranks, Station
312 Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon DiDonato
was hired full-time in 2007. A medic for just over
nine years, he stays involved with the department
as a member of the RIC, ladder and ventilation
instruction cadres. Brandon and wife Angie have
been married for 10 years; together they are
raising daughters Payton, 8, and Addison, 3. They live in Yucaipa.
MIKE MALSED
Station 25 Engineer/Paramedic Michael Malsed
began his career in 1981 as a Cal-Fire PCF.
From there he went on to work for Canyon
ambulance service in Upland before joining
Medic-1 ambulance in Pomona from 1984-88.
He eventually was hired with Mercy Ambulance in
Rancho Cucamonga, where he stayed until 1993.
That year he was hired by Crest Forest Fire, where he stayed through
the transition to SBCoFD. All told he has served as a paramedic
for 23 years. Mike contributes to the department as an emergency
supply specialist in Division 4; in addition he serves as a PIO.
He and wife Wendy have three sons: Joseph, 22, Cristian, 19 and
Cameron, 14. They live in Valley of Enchantment.
MATT DURHAM
Captain and paramedic Matt Durham is currently
assigned to Station 302 in Hesperia. Matt began
as a volunteer firefighter with Cal-Fire in 2002
before becoming a SBCoFD LT in 2005. After a
brief tenure with Riverside City, Matt returned home
to County Fire as a firefighter/paramedic in 2007.
Matt has devoted much time and effort to projects
and committees, including membership with the Tower, RIC and
Fire Control 3 instructor cadres. An honor guard member, he
contributes to the JAC and to the health and wellness committee;
in addition he serves as the tower’s lead physical fitness instructor
and helps coordinate the tower’s family day and graduation. Matt
and wife Kristine reside in Apple Valley with kids Kaylee, Matthew
and Reagan.
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FIREWIRE • Winter 2016
RUSS WARREN
Firefighter/Paramedic Russell Warren is
currently assigned to Station 14 in Wrightwood.
Russ began as a SBCoFD PCF in 2005 before
being hired to a career position in 2014 with
Tower V. Having recently completed probation,
he continues to work on building his skills and
looks forward to contributing via future projects
and areas of expertise. Russ and his wife Kate reside in
Redlands with James, 4, and 6 month-old Willa.
KEN WHITE
Station 41 Engineer Kenny White started as a
PCF before promoting to the LT ranks in 2007.
From there he was hired by the Marine Corps
Logistics Base in Barstow before coming home to
County Fire in 2010 as a firefighter/paramedic
in Tower 4. Kenny is currently the drum sergeant
for the Local 935 Pipes & Drums band and was
recently voted a Local representative for Division 5. In addition,
he serves on the EMS equipment and department diversity
committees, and contributes to the Spark of Love toy drive
coordination effort. He also plays outfield on the County Fire
softball team. Ken has been married to wife Sharon for nine
years; together they have two daughters, Rhaylee and Taelyn.
They live in Temecula.
TONY VILLARINO
Robert Anthony Villarino, or Tony, as we know
him, is currently assigned to Fontana’s Station
71 as an engineer. Tony began with SBCoFD
as a PCF in Spring Valley Lake from 1995-99
before being hired by Fort Irwin Fire, where he
stayed until 2005. That year he was hired as a
career firefighter by Victorville Fire Department,
eventually promoting to engineer. An EMT since 1995, Tony
has contributed his expertise toward the department’s
engineer candidate testing and development. He also helps
his colleagues stay fit whenever possible. Tony and wife Erin
have four children: Kyra, Donna, Christina and Tony. They live
in Temecula.