San Diego Fire-Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Brian Fennessy has been appointed as the city's next fire chief to take the place of Javier Mainar, who will retiring from the department's top spot on Nov. 12.
Fennessy, who has been a member San Diego's Fire-Rescue Department for the past 25 years, is also a member of Firehouse's Editorial Advisory Board.
Fennessy's appointment was announced Thursday by the city's mayor, Kevin Faulconer.
“Passing the baton to Chief Fennessy is one of the easiest decisions I’ve had to make as mayor,” Mayor Faulconer said. “He has unmatched experience and operational knowledge of the Fire-Rescue Department and his leadership through the years proves he’s the best choice with a strong El Niño predicted and what is now a year-round fire season.”
One of Fennessy’s most notable accomplishments is being the driving force in developing and implementing the city’s helicopter program. The city now has two firefighting and rescue helicopters with night-flying capability that are available for water drops and rescues throughout the county. These helicopters are the only air resources in the region capable of providing night firefighting operations.
“I am truly humbled to have been named by Mayor Faulconer as the successor to Fire Chief Mainar upon his retirement,” Fennessy said. “The Mayor’s decision to stay within the department speaks volumes for the job Chief Mainar has done and the direction that has been set for the department. I appreciate the Mayor’s confidence in me and am prepared and eager to lead the men and women of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department successfully into the future. As Chief, I look forward to working in partnership with all of our communities to achieve safe and livable neighborhoods in support of the Mayor’s One San Diego vision.”
Fennessy, 56, who has 38 years of firefighting experience that began with the U.S. Forest Service, joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department in 1990 and rose through the ranks to his current position as Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Operations.
In appointing Fennessy to the post, Faulconer praised Chief Mainar's leadership of the department in which he served his entire 35-year career.
“After 35 years of helping San Diegans in their time of need and keeping them out of harm’s way, Chief Mainar has earned the respect of everyone in his department, at City Hall, and in neighborhoods throughout the city,” Faulconer said."...“At my direction, Chief Mainar has made great strides in bringing more equality to services by improving emergency response in neighborhoods that need it the most. I am confident that Chief Fennessy will continue this important work.”
Chief Mainar said, “It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to have served our City for the past 35 years. I’d like to thank former Mayor Sanders for appointing me and Mayor Faulconer for his faith in allowing me to continue to serve in his administration. My tenure as Chief has been a challenging and rewarding experience. ... I’m very pleased that the Mayor has chosen an exceptionally well-qualified internal candidate to succeed me as Chief. Assistant Chief Brian Fennessy has been a key member of our leadership team and responsible for many of the transformational initiatives in Fire-Rescue.”
Fennessy's appointment will be presented to the San Diego City Council for confirmation in the coming weeks.
