County Chief Executive Officer Gary McBride has announced that Deputy County Fire Chief Donald W. Trapp will serve as interim chief during a nationwide recruitment for a new chief to succeed Mark Hartwig, who is leaving County Fire on Feb. 15 to begin serving as fire chief for Santa Barbara County.

“We would like to thank Don and all of the dedicated men and women of the Fire Protection District for their service and leadership during this transition period,” McBride said.

“I am honored to lead such a talented team of men and women who are proud to be serving in their communities,” Trapp said. “Through teamwork and collaboration with our partner agencies and the communities we serve, we will continue efforts towards community risk reduction plans. Looking for ways to reduce operating costs while still providing the highest level of fire, rescue and emergency medical services remains a priority.”

Trapp has served the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District for 29 years, promoting through the ranks in the Valley, Wrightwood, North Desert and Lake Arrowhead areas. He was appointed Deputy Chief of Administration in July 2015, and has served as Deputy Chief of Operations from 2017 to present. He is responsible for overseeing all fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue operations.

Trapp serves on the state Firescope Operations Team and serves as the Operational Area Coordinator.

Trapp became interested in the fire service right out of high school and became a paid-call firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Temecula. He began his full-time fire service career with San Bernardino County Fire in 1989 in Fontana.

Throughout his career in County Fire, Trapp has remained heavily involved in the communities served by the district. He has served on the Emergency Medical Services committee, and co-chaired both the Operations Leadership Team and the Hiring, Testing & Development committees.

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