Matt Blanco started his career as a Reserve Firefighter for the Loma Linda Fire Department after graduating from Crafton Hills college in 2000. In 2003, he graduated from the Riverside Community College Paramedic Program and worked as a Paramedic for American Medical Response (AMR) Rancho Division.
He began his career at the Rialto Fire Department in 2004 as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic. He was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain in 2014 and to the rank of Battalion Chief in 2020.
He has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Management through Purdue Global University and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Technology through Crafton Hills College. He is certified as a Fire Officer and Instructor for Firefighter Survival and Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Operations through the California State Fire Marshal’s Office.