SAN DIEGO — Assistant San Diego Fire Chief Brian Fennessy was selected to become the department’s 17th chief Thursday.
San Diego 6 reported that Chief Fennessy, 56, who has 38 years of firefighting experience, is to take over for Chief Javier Mainar, who is set to retire in November.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer said Fennessy will continue the goal of improving neighborhood response times.
“Chief Mainar has had many great strides bringing more equality to the services by improving emergency response in neighborhoods that needed the most throughout our city,” Faulconer said.
Fennessy joined the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department in 1990. He rose through the ranks to his current position as assistant fire chief of emergency operations.
“I’m prepared and eager to lead the men and women of the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department successfully into the future, a future filled with opportunity and challenge that provides strong leadership and management to one of the most progressive fire agencies in the United States,” Fennessy said.
Under Fennessy’s leadership the city now has two firefighting and rescue helicopters. The choppers are the only air resources in the region capable of providing night firefighting operations.
“I will do all within my power to ensure my trust in me was well placed and that we continue to move forward during the days, months and years that lie ahead,” Fennessy said.
The mayor’s appointment will have to go before the city council for confirmation in the coming weeks.