Richard Fixsen and Brian Wong (with plaques), San Marino’s firefighter and police officer of the year, are pictured with Police Chief John Incontro (left), Fire Chief Mario Rueda and Carlo Aaron Purther of the San Marino Masonic Lodge.
Firefighter/Paramedic Richard Fixsen and Cpl. Brian Wong, recently named San Marino’s firefighter and police officer of the year by the San Marino Masonic Lodge during a ceremony at City Hall, embody far more than their simple job titles might suggest.
San Marino Fire Department Capt. Dominic Petta said of Fixson, who received the award for the first time, “His attention to detail and project management skills far exceeds anyone that I have worked with in the fire service.”
Petta, who nominated Fixsen for firefighter of the year, also praised the honoree’s dedication to teaching young colleagues.
“He has spent countless hours of one-on-one time in mentoring probationary firefighters, often working until midnight to help them prepare for upcoming training exercises or fine-tuning skills,” said Petta. “He definitely takes pride in helping to make the best firefighter we could ask for.”
In addition to his teaching skills, Fixsen is a licensed contractor and has taken the lead on construction projects at the fire station, a day room renovation, construction of a battalion chief’s dorm and office renovation, a kitchen cabinet renovation, painting of the station interior, installation of whiteboards in the Emergency Operations Center and other projects.
During the 2020-21 fiscal year, Fixsen will also direct health and safety renovations, including installation of a laundry area and flooring throughout the station, and additional paramedic supply cabinets.
Fixsen resides in San Diego with his wife, Lacey, and sons Hank and Nolan. He enjoys spending time with his family and completing construction projects around the house.
“We are extremely lucky to have him as a member of our department and feel that this accolade is long overdue,” Petta said.
The San Marino Police Department’s Wong, meanwhile, grew up in San Marino, attending Huntington Middle School before graduating from San Marino High School more than two decades ago. In 2003, he began working at the SMPD as a cadet before being promoted to community services officer shortly thereafter. In 2008, Wong graduated from the Rio Hondo Police Academy and was sworn in as a San Marino officer on March 1, 2009. In 2013, he was selected as a field training officer, making him responsible for helping guide newly hired police officers. In 2014, Wong was promoted to corporal, which includes the responsibilities of sergeant in such an officer’s absence. Wong served as a detective between 2015 and 2018, primarily investigating financial and white collar crimes. Wong has previously served as treasurer of the San Marino Police Officers’ Association, has served as a board member for the San Marino Chamber of Commerce, and is currently a Neighborhood Watch coordinator.
A former member of Best Buy’s “Geek Squad,” Wong proudly assists with anything technical or electronic around the station.
Wong has earned his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and is considering further education.
He resides in the San Gabriel Valley with his wife, whom he credits for providing him with the “motivation to always be better.” They are animal lovers and enjoy camping, hiking and “everything related to nature.”
“Corporal Wong loves serving the members of this community,” said Police Chief John Incontro. “He prides himself in providing service as if it were to his own family. He is an asset not just to this department but to the city of San Marino as well.”
Fixsen and Wong were given plaques acknowledging their contributions to their respective departments by Carlo Aaron Purther of the Masonic Lodge, which sponsored the event.
