Crime & Safety

San Rafael Introduces Newest Firefighters, Paramedics to Join Local Department

The following was submitted for publication by the San Rafael Fire Department: 

San Rafael Fire Chief Christopher Gray appointed three new Firefighter/Paramedics to serve the greater San Rafael area during a Badge Pinning and Swearing-In Ceremony Friday conducted at the San Rafael Fire Station 51, 1039 C St., San Rafael, CA.

A large gathering of family, friends, co-workers and officials were on hand to support the graduates of Fire Academy 13 as these outstanding new public servants are poised to begin their fire service career.

About Our New Firefighter/Paramedics:

Matt Chandra (26) was born in Daly City, CA and worked as a Paramedic with Pro Transport 1. Matt served as a Firefighter/Intern at Grass Valley Fire Department in 2011 and Firefighter/Intern at Penryn Fire Department from 2012-13. He completed a Fire Academy at Sierra College in 2012 and obtained his Associates Degree there in 2013. Matt completed Paramedic School at Sacramento State in 2013. Matt is bilingual and speaks Fiji/Hindi and also worked as a HVAC Technician.

Kyle Kleinschmidt (31) was born in Napa, CA and worked as a Fire Engineer/Paramedic at El Cajon Fire Department where he served with Heartland Fire & Rescue since 2006. Kyle also worked with AmeriCare Ambulance from 2004-05. Kyle attended UC San Diego and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineer in 2004. Kyle completed a fire academy at Heartland Fire and graduated from Paramedic school at Southwestern College in 2006. Kyle also received training and worked as a SWAT Paramedic assisting the Police Department in El Cajon.

Trina Vadon (27) was born in Santa Rosa, CA and worked as a Paramedic with Verihealth/Falck and volunteer Firefighter with Bodega Bay Fire since 2011, Trina also served as a CalFire Seasonal Firefighter in 2009 and 2010 and worked as a volunteer/temporary Firefighter with Windsor Fire from 2008-10. She’s worked with VCA Animal Care Center since 2008 and as a Lab Assistant for Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital from 2011-14. Trina completed a Fire Academy, Paramedic School and earned two Associates Degrees at Santa Rosa Junior College.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.