Fire Chief Brian Fennessy announced Friday that he will be retiring from the Orange County Fire Authority effective immediately.
After nearly eight years of service, the decorated fire chief has decided to call it a career to pursue his next chapter. Fennessey says he has tentatively accepted a director role with the newly created United States Wildland Fire Service.
“Serving alongside you has been the greatest honor of my career. Day in and day out, you have exemplified what
it means to be an all‑hazard, mission‑driven organization — protecting lives and property with professionalism,
compassion, and relentless commitment. The pride I feel in our team’s operational excellence, innovation, and
community partnership is immeasurable. Over the past eight years, we have earned a reputation as a national
model within the fire service, and I recognize that being selected as the inaugural leader of the USWFS is a
direct reflection of our collective success at the OCFA,” wrote Fennessy in a memo Friday night.
Fennessy began his career in 1978 with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s United States Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management as a hotshot crewmember, moving his way up to crew superintendent.
Fennessey has held the fire chief position with the OCFA since April 2018.
A replacement fire chief wasn’t immediately announced. Fennessey said he would work with the board of directors to support a smooth leadership transition.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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