Chief Brian Fennessy Retires from OCFA: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

As the New Year approaches, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) bids farewell to its esteemed leader, Chief Brian Fennessy. Announced in a memo obtained by the Southern California News Group, Fennessy will retire on January 2, 2024, after nearly eight impactful years at the helm of the agency. His next chapter will see him tentatively stepping into a federal position with the newly established United States Wildland Fire Service (USWFS). This transition marks a significant era not just for Fennessy but for the fire service community as a whole.

Fennessy’s tenure has been characterized by a steadfast commitment to community safety and operational excellence. In his farewell memo, he expressed profound gratitude towards OCFA staff and firefighters, stating, “Serving alongside you has been the greatest honor of my career.” Under his leadership, OCFA has developed a reputation as a national model within the fire service, known for its innovation and community partnership. This recognition culminated in Fennessy being selected as the inaugural leader of the USWFS, an accolade reflecting the collective efforts and successes of the OCFA team.

Beginning his career in 1978 with the U.S. Forest Service and later the Bureau of Land Management, Fennessy climbed the ranks due to his dedication and expertise. In 1990, he joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and served as its chief starting in 2015. His experience laid a profound foundation for the operations at OCFA, navigating through significant incidents such as the Bond, Silverado, and Blue Ridge fires while also leading during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

The OCFA, which serves nearly 2 million residents across 23 cities in Orange County, relies heavily on its over 1,200 firefighters stationed at 78 locations. As Fennessy prepares to leave, he has committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition by collaborating closely with executive management and the Board of Directors. While his replacement has yet to be announced, Fennessy’s experience and the systems he has implemented will undoubtedly guide the incoming chief.

Fennessy’s move to a federal role signifies an opportunity to enhance interagency coordination and elevate the profession of wildland firefighting. He has spoken about the importance of modernizing capabilities and carrying lessons learned from his time at OCFA into his new position. His vision for the USWFS emphasizes the critical connection between the values and missions established at OCFA and future advancements in federal firefighting strategies.

Recognized as one of Orange County Register’s Most Influential People in 2020, Fennessy leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience and innovation. His leadership has been vital in shaping OCFA’s strategic responses to emergencies and community engagement. As he embarks on this new journey, the OCFA community will undoubtedly feel the impact of his contributions long after his departure, ensuring that the standards he set continue to inspire future generations within the fire service.