Rick was born on the former Fort Ord and grew up traveling from military base to military base.  Having lived in Alabama, Virginia, twice in Missouri, Minnesota, Germany and graduating from a high school in Naples, Italy, Rick settled back in Salinas in 1995 for good.  His family has historical ties to Cannery Row and the Monterey Boats where his father's family were master boat builders.  A replica of an Italian fishing boat that his Great Uncle Frank Siino built is on display in the Monterey Aquarium.

Rick's passion for the fire service began in 2003 when he joined the Spreckels Volunteer Fire Company and served until they closed in 2015.  He completed the Monterey Peninsula College Fire Academy, class of 2005-2.  Rick spent the next several years as a reserve firefighter with North County Fire District, a full-time firefighter with Greenfield Fire District and a volunteer firefighter with Monterey County Regional Fire District.  In 2019, Rick began his tenure as Fire Prevention Specialist when the position was created at Monterey County Regional Fire District.

Rick enjoys one week a year being a "cowboy" and volunteering at the California Rodeo Salinas, for the Ground/Track committee, prepping the arena and track for the events, for the past 10 years.  Rick sits on the Spreckels Memorial District as a board member, he is currently the President of the Board.  He enjoys spending time with his daughter and son and mountain biking in his spare time.