Orange County Fire Chief Reflects on a Year Rife With Challenges

Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy speaks at The Nixon Library's annual commemorations in Southern California to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, on Sept. 11, 2020. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

IRVINE, Calif.—As the world nears the end of a grim year, indelible memories will remain for Orange County’s top firefighter, who led crews through devastating wildfires while navigating a pandemic.

Two particular dates stand out for Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Brian Fennessy: the day the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 a pandemic, and the afternoon two firefighters were gravely injured on the job.