Richard “Rick” Chew

Rick serves as a group Co-Facilitator with A Step Forward. Born in San Francisco and raised primarily in Albany, California, Rick also lived in Hawaii, Guam, and Maryland while growing up.

 

After graduating from Albany High School, Rick served three years in the U.S. Army in West Germany as a supply specialist and armorer. Following his military service, he worked for eight years in administrative positions in San Francisco’s financial district before pursuing a career in the fire service.

 

In 1989, Rick joined the Oakland Fire Department, beginning a 28-year career that included twelve years as a Firefighter, three years as a Lieutenant, and thirteen years as a Captain. He completed his career assigned to a downtown ladder company.

 

Rick brings decades of leadership, public service, and many levels of lived experience working with people from many backgrounds to his role as a Co-Facilitator. He and his wife, Marjoline, live in California. Together they have a blended family of six children and hope eventually to make their home in the Philippines. In their free time, they enjoy karaoke.