WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Brian Fennessy, Assistant Fire Chief for Emergency Operations at the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. Chief Fennessy testified at the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s “Rebuilding After the Storm: Lessening Impacts and Speeding Recovery” hearing to provide expertise on preparedness and community resiliency efforts.

Watch Rep. Peters’ floor speech HERE or by clicking the image below:

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Transcript of Rep. Peters’ speech, as delivered:

[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]

Mr. Speaker -

Today I rise to highlight San Diegan Brian Fennessy, Assistant Fire Chief at the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, who is here in DC sharing his expertise fighting wildfires so that communities across the country can be better prepared.

This morning Chief Fennessy testified before the House Transportation Committee’s Economic Development subcommittee on ways to speed up disaster recovery and save taxpayer dollars by lessening the harm of disasters.

In San Diego we learned many lessons from the numerous firestorms of the last decade, including the importance of increasing preparedness and emergency planning, and the need for coordination among various levels of government.

As extreme weather becomes more prevalent, sharing information from local experience on what does and doesn’t work will only become more important.

So thank you to Chief Fennessy for sharing your experience and thank you to all the brave men and women of the San Diego Fire Department.

[END TRANSCRIPT]

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