San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey is pleased to announce the promotion of Battalion Chief Kelly Anderson to Assistant Chief of the North Desert (Division 5). Chief Anderson will oversee fire, rescue and emergency medical response in this region of the county.
“Chief Anderson has demonstrated strong leadership and operational skills that are needed to meet the mission of the Fire District. With over 23 years of experience in the fire service, she brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to the North Desert region and its communities,” said Fire Chief Dan Munsey. Chief Anderson began her career as a Fire Explorer in 1994 in Hesperia and was hired as a Limited Term Firefighter in 1999, promoting to full-time status in 2002 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Chief Anderson has served throughout the ranks, promoting to Battalion Chief in 2015 assigned to North Desert Division. Her responsibilities have included the oversight of the Ambulance Operator program as well as the Fire Corps volunteer program.
“It’s an honor to serve the North Desert. I love the High Desert and its uniqueness. I was born and raised in the City of Hesperia, went to school there and it’s where I began my journey in the fire service,” stated Chief Anderson. “I look forward to working with our partnering agencies as we continue to look for ways to further enhance our fire, rescue and EMS services.”
The North Desert Division is one of the most challenging and demanding geographic areas within SanBernardino County, with hundreds of thousands travelling the major highways through its vast deserts. This division proudly serves the cities of Adelanto and Hesperia. On the division’s northern boundary is the Inyo and Kern county lines. Its eastern boundary is the state of Nevada, and the world-famous Gambling Mecca of Las Vegas. It’s also home to the largest off highway vehicle recreational area in the United States. Other beautiful outdoor areas located in the region include the Mojave Desert National Preserve, Afton Canyon, Dumont Dunes Recreational Area, Rainbow Basin, the Trona Pinnacles, the Mojave River, and the community of Baker which serves as the gateway to Death Valley National Park.
Chief Anderson continues to make the High Desert her home, along with her three boys. They enjoy outdoor activities and most of all, just spending time together.
Chief Anderson fills the vacancy left by Assistant Chief Dave Corbin, who is retiring after serving 33 years in the fire service. Chief Corbin is proud to have dedicated his entire career to serving the citizens of San Bernardino County.