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Dan Munsey

Fire Chief / Fire Warden

Chief Munsey began his career in 1995 as a paid-call firefighter, serving the community of Yucca Valley, and decided to pursue a career as a full-time firefighter. In 1998, Munsey joined our fire district as a full-time firefighter/paramedic. Since then, Chief Munsey has enjoyed a diverse career, including executive leadership and management experiences in both rural and metropolitan fire service communities. This includes having worked in every division of San Bernardino County Fire.

Chief Munsey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, and multiple Incident Command System (ICS) certifications. He is one of the few fire chiefs in California who possesses a Center for Public Excellence Chief Fire Officer credential, the four-year National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer designation, and a California State Fire Marshal Chief Fire Officer certificate. Munsey has completed many specialized leadership training courses, including the California Special Districts Association Leadership Academy and the San Bernardino County Management and Leadership Academy – a program that provides comprehensive management and leadership training to county employees.

In addition to his service to San Bernardino County, Chief Munsey is the past president of the California Fire Chiefs Association Operations Section and has served since 2019 as the chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Technology Council. He is a director on the FIRESCOPE board of directors, the vice president of the California Metro Fire Chiefs Association, and the vice president of the San Bernardino County Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Munsey is a California State Fire Marshal instructor and has taught dozens of Fire Service, NIMS, and Incident Command Systems courses throughout his career. He served on the California Inter-Agency Incident Management Team-11 in the operations section for many years and enjoys speaking about his command experiences, leadership, and the use of emerging technology in the fire service at conferences nationwide. Chief Munsey is one of the original founders of both the CalChiefs Tech Summit and the IAFC Technology Summit International.

Chief Munsey is a firm believer in active community service, ensuring department diversity, hiring from local communities, and collaborating with other agencies to ensure public safety. He strongly believes in “giving back” and investing in the communities he serves. His involvement, both past and present, includes various Rotary Clubs, the Boys and Girls Club, Miracle League of the Desert, Habitat for Humanity, and other non-profit/benevolent boards. Dan Munsey became Fire Chief of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District on November 20, 2019.

Dan Munsey

Martin Serna

Deputy Chief of Operations

Chief Martin Serna is responsible for overseeing all fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue operations.

Chief Serna joined County Fire in July, after serving 29 years with the Torrance Fire Department; rising through the ranks to fire chief, a position he held for 6 years.

Chief Serna has successfully developed and implemented strategic plans, department reorganizations, and established leadership development programs. During his time as fire chief with Torrance, the department became an International Accredited Fire Department and retained a Class 1 ISO rating. Through his leadership, the Torrance Fire Department also established a Basic Life EMS transportation program.

Chief Serna has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science (Cum Laude) from Columbia Southern University and attended the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Serna served as president of the Los Angeles Area Fire Chiefs Association for 2 years and the South Bay Fire Chiefs Association for 4 years.

Bertral Washington

Deputy Chief of Administration

Chief Bertral Washington is responsible for overseeing the department’s planning and accreditation, training and safety, emergency medical services, support (vehicle and warehouse) services, and community risk reduction efforts.

Chief Washington comes to the Fire District with over 25 years of experience in the fire service. Chief Washington served as the Fire Chief for the City of Pasadena for over five years, starting in December 2014. Previously, Chief Washington served as the Fire Chief of Clark County Fire Department (Nevada) and has 16 years’ experience in the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Department from the rank of Firefighter Paramedic to Assistant Fire Chief. He has also served as a substitute teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Chief Washington has a strong educational background which includes a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, an Associate degree in Fire Science Management, and is a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s, John F. Kennedy School of Government. In addition, Chief Washington has achieved the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).

Chief Washington and his wife Cheri have two children; Chandler and Blaire. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing golf, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Bertral Washington

Cory Nelson

Deputy Chief of Business Operations

Deputy Chief Nelson proudly joined the County of San Bernardino in December 2012 where she began as an Administrative Analyst for the County Administrative Office. She has been assigned various departments throughout her years of service, which have included Finance and Administration, County Administrative Office, Assessor, Auditor Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector, Fleet, Public Works, Special Districts, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Health Administration, and Countywide Realignment. She also served as the Innovation and Technology Department’s Chief Finance Officer prior to joining County Fire.

Cory earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and has a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University San Bernardino. She completed the County’s Management Leadership Academy Executive Development Program, the California State Association of Counties Senior Executive Credential Program, and the Inland Empire Economic Partnership Regional Leadership Academy.

Cory and her husband Randy have raised twin daughters. In her leisure time, she loves to travel and explore the world, snorkel, scuba dive, attend musical theatre, and spend time with her family.

Jeff Birchfield

Assistant Chief, Division 1 (West Valley)

 Assistant Chief Birchfield is responsible for rescue operations, fire and emergency medical response in the Valley region; a region that encompasses the western half of the San Bernardino Valley.

Birchfield began his fire service career in 1991 as a paid-call firefighter for Station 37 in Mountain View Acres. He worked as a seasonal firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management on helicopter crew 554 in 1992, and then worked as a firefighter at Ft. Irwin Fire Department prior to coming to County Fire as an Engineer.

In 2000, Birchfield accepted a position with Redondo Beach Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic. In 2005 he returned to County Fire and spent the next eight years as a Captain assigned to various stations throughout the county including the Training Division. In 2013, Birchfield promoted to Battalion Chief assigned to Division 2 where he has helped secure additional grant funds for the department, performed as an expert witness on multiple cases involving vehicle collisions, and previously sat as the Vice Chair on the FIRESCOPE Task Force

Throughout his career, Assistant Chief Birchfield has actively pursued higher education and training. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management from Azusa Pacific University and graduated from the County’s Management Leadership Academy in 2012.

Jeff Birchfield

Gary Jager

Assistant Chief, Division 2 (East Valley)

Assistant Chief Gary Jager is responsible for fire, rescue and emergency medical response in the East Valley region; a region that encompasses the eastern half of the San Bernardino Valley.

Chief Jager began his career with the Fire District in 1998 as a paid call firefighter in the North Desert Division.

Since then, Chief Jager has steadily advanced through each rank in the organization, gaining experience in every division along the way. In 2016, Chief Jager was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to the East Valley Division in the city of San Bernardino. In this position, he has handled multiple responsibilities that include training, managing facilities, and division budget. Furthermore, Chief Jager has actively participated in the department’s hiring and testing processes, and the department’s operational leadership team and recently developed and implemented a mentor program for entry-level firefighters.

Chief Jager attended Victor Valley College and is currently enrolled in the Bachelor’s program in Fire Science at Columbia Southern University. He also is an adjunct faculty member at Victor Valley College for the paramedic program.

Jason Serrano

Assistant Chief, Division 3 (Mountain)

Assistant Chief Jason Serrano is responsible for rescue operations, fire and emergency medical response in the Mountain region.

Division 3 encompasses the San Bernardino Mountains and includes the communities of Crestline, Twin Peaks, Lake Arrowhead, Green Valley Lake, Fawnskin, Angelus Oaks, and Forest Falls.

Chief Serrano began his career in public service in 1994 as a paid-call firefighter and a private ambulance EMT in the High Desert. By 1997, he was hired by the San Bernardino City Fire Department, where he dedicated 20 years, rising through the ranks to the position of captain. Beyond his operational duties, he made significant contributions as a fire technology instructor at Victor Valley College for nearly 16 years and as a registered instructor in various subjects with the California State Fire Training Division of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

When the City of San Bernardino joined County Fire in 2016, Chief Serrano immediately took an active role in developing several operational training programs, formulating new policies, and contributing to the organization across various capacities. His efforts were recognized in 2019 when he was promoted to battalion chief, assigned to the West Valley Division in Upland and Fontana. Subsequently, he was chosen by the Fire Chief to represent Fire Districts South at FIRESCOPE with Cal-OES. Currently, Chief Serrano serves as the Chair of the FIRESCOPE Task Force, demonstrating his commitment to improving the fire service in California and beyond through statewide collaboration.

Chief Serrano is committed to personal growth and holds a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Management from American Military University and has achieved Chief Fire Officer certification with the state.

Bill Villarino

Assistant Chief, Division 4 (South Desert)

Assistant Chief Bill Villarino is responsible for rescue operations, fire and emergency medical response in the South Desert region.

Division 4 encompasses much of the Mojave Desert and includes the City of Needles, the Town of Yucca Valley, the communities of Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, and Havasu Landing. Firefighters in Division 4 serve a large section of the Interstate 40 corridor, as well as the Colorado River.

Chief Villarino began his career in 1997 as a paid call firefighter with the Hesperia Fire Department. Following the 2004 transition of the Hesperia Fire Department to the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, Chief Villarino advanced through the ranks, gaining extensive experience in every division in County Fire. In 2019, he was promoted to Battalion Chief. Throughout his career, he has been integral to the Captain and Battalion Chief promotional process, actively participating in the operational leadership team, co-chairing the department’s staffing software committee, and assisting with recent staffing plans for the district.

Chief Villarino attended Victor Valley College, where he received an associate degree in Fire Science. He is currently enrolled in the bachelor’s program in Fire Administration at Columbia Southern University.

In his new role, Chief Villarino will oversee the operational readiness and strategic initiatives of Division 4. He will work closely with local officials and residents to address the unique challenges of the South Desert communities. Bill will continue to work with Division 4 personnel to provide the premier fire, rescue, and EMS service to our residents.

Kelly Anderson

Assistant Chief, Division 5 (North Desert)

Assistant Chief Kelly Anderson is responsible for rescue operations, fire and emergency medical response in the North Desert region.

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.

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. 

Kelly Anderson

Josh Pullen

Assistant Chief, Chief of Staff

Assistant Chief Josh Pullen oversees strategic initiatives, fosters interdepartmental collaboration, and supports the Fire Chief in achieving the Fire District’s goals. His responsibilities include managing executive-level communications, coordinating policy development, ensuring the alignment of administrative priorities with operational needs, and providing oversight for special projects and cross-functional teams. His role is essential in maintaining organizational efficiency and driving innovation to support the District’s mission of protecting lives and property.

Chief Pullen’s journey with the Fire District began in 2006 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Since then, he has steadily advanced through each rank in the organization, gaining experience in every division along the way. In 2022, Chief Pullen was promoted to Battalion Chief and was assigned to the North Desert Division, where he handled responsibilities, such as managing facilities and overseeing the division budget. Furthermore, Chief Pullen has actively participated in the department’s testing processes, ranging from entry-level Firefighter to Battalion Chief positions.

Throughout his career, Chief Pullen has demonstrated a commitment to education. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. Currently, he is actively pursuing his CFO credential through the Center of Public Safety Excellence. Chief Pullen is also a valued member of the California Fire Chiefs Association.

In his personal life, Chief Pullen resides in the City of Hesperia with his wife, Amy, and their two children: Kalee and Caleb. During his free time, he finds pleasure in traveling, playing golf, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Mike O’Bier

Division Chief, Division 10 (EMS)

Mark Bixler

Division Chief, Division 11 (Training & Safety)

Division Chief Mark Bixler oversees the Training division.

Chief Bixler began his career in 1999 as a paid-call firefighter in the valley division and became a full-time firefighter paramedic in 2002. he advanced through the ranks, earning a promotion to division chief in 2023.

With over 25 years of dedicated service to the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, Chief Bixler brings extensive experience, leadership and commitment to the training division. He focuses on implementing comprehensive training programs designed to prepare personnel for the challenges of emergency response, with an emphasis on safety and operational readiness.

Chief Bixler holds an associate’s degree from Crafton Hills College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University. He resides in Mission Viejo with his wife, Megan, and their two daughters.

Monica Ronchetti

Fire Marshal, Division 12 (Office of the Fire Marshal)

Fire Marshal Monica Ronchetti is responsible for the Community Safety Fire Prevention, Hazardous Materials CUPA, and Household Hazardous Waste sections within San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, which encompasses the entire unincorporated areas which includes several contract cities and districts.

Assigned to the Office of the Fire Marshal, Monica leads a diverse office that provides oversight and implementation of all regulatory inspection and planning programs, public education and special events, management over the CUPA for the entire county and cities within, provides emergency response to Hazmat related incidents, and conducts fire investigations.

Monica began her career with San Bernardino County Fire in 2009 as a Hazardous Materials Specialist Trainee and worked her way up to a Supervising Hazardous Materials Specialist in the Household Hazardous Waste section in 2015.  In 2018, she was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal managing the Hazardous Materials and Household Hazardous Waste sections.  Monica participates in various local and state committees and boards.  She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist and holds several California State Fire Marshal certifications.

Monica is a 2023 graduate from National University with a Master of Public Administration.  She also has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Cal State San Bernardino with a minor in Geography, and an associate degree in Biology from Riverside Community College.  Monica has completed all three levels of the County’s Management Leadership Academy.

Monica Ronchetti

Jim Topoleski

Division Chief, Division 13 (Wildland & Aviation)

Jim Topoleski is a dedicated firefighter with nearly 40 years of experience in the fire service. Known for his strong leadership, extensive knowledge, and commitment to public safety, Division Chief Topoleski has played a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of our fire department. He has been a Federal and State Type I and Type Il Incident Management Teams member for over 20 years, managing complex incidents nationwide.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies. He has also completed advanced courses and certifications to develop further his skills and expertise in various firefighting and emergency response areas. Some of his notable credentialing include:

  • Operations Section Chief Type I
  • Safety Officer Type I
  • Incident Command System (ICS) Advanced Training
  • Hazardous Materials Specialist
  • Arson Investigator

Chief Topoleski believes in community engagement and fostering solid relationships with local organizations. He actively participates in community and associate involvement initiatives to create a safer, more resilient community. Some of his involvements include:

Community Outreach Programs
Chief Topoleski spearheads numerous community outreach programs, educating the public about fire safety, emergency preparedness, and prevention measures. He regularly conducts public presentations, fire drills, and workshops, ensuring community members are well-informed and equipped to handle emergencies.

Volunteer Work
Chief Topoleski actively engages in volunteer work, collaborating with local organizations and nonprofits dedicated to serving the community. He actively participates in fundraising events, charity drives, and community service projects, further strengthening the bonds between the fire department and the community it serves.

Professional Associations
Chief Topoleski is active in firefighting and emergency services professional associations. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). He regularly attends conferences and seminars to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices. This involvement allows him to return valuable insights and knowledge to our fire department, ensuring our practices align with industry standards.

Chief Topoleski’s dedication to public safety, extensive training and credentials, and active community involvement make him a respected leader within our fire department. His commitment to excellence and his passion for serving others inspire his colleagues and the community we serve.

Joe Barna

Division Chief of Administration

Division Chief of Administration Josh Pullen oversees several key areas within the department, including Hiring, Testing, Development, Payroll, and Risk Management.

Division Chief Barna’s educational background and commitment to lifelong learning have contributed to his outstanding leadership capabilities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, providing him with a solid fire science and management foundation. Additionally, he has pursued advanced certifications and professional development opportunities to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving field of fire services.

His expertise includes strategic planning, risk management, and emergency preparedness. He has also completed specialized training programs, including Incident Command System (ICS) courses specializing in Finance.

Division Chief Barna’s dedication to his community extends beyond his San Bernardino County Fire District role. He actively engages with local organizations, civic groups, and community leaders, fostering strong relationships and collaboration. Through his involvement in community outreach programs, he educates the public on fire safety and emergency preparedness, ensuring that residents are well-informed and equipped to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Division Chief Barna is an esteemed member of various professional associations. He is a mentor to aspiring firefighters, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their careers and make meaningful contributions to the fire service. Recognized for his exceptional leadership skills, Division Chief Barna consistently fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, inspiring his team to achieve excellence in all aspects of their work. With his visionary leadership and dedication to the community’s well-being, he sets the standard for excellence in the fire service, ensuring the safety and security of our San Bernardino County residents and beyond.