Fennigan Receives 2020 LBE Award for Initiative and Innovation

(Credit: West Metro Fire Rescue)

Brendan Fennigan
Captain, West Metro Fire Rescue
Category: Initiative and Innovation

Congratulations to Brendan Fennigan for being selected as one of the recipients for the 2020 Paul Gleason Lead by Example award. Four individuals and one group from across the wildland fire service have been chosen to receive this national award.

The award was created by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason’s contributions to the wildland fire service. During a career spanning five decades, Paul was a dedicated student of fire, a teacher of fire, and a leader of firefighters. The intent of this award is to recognize individuals or groups who exhibit this same spirit and who exemplify the wildland fire leadership values and principles. Brendan's work in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program has been a demonstration of initiative and innovation.

Brendan is recognized for his unwavering commitment to developing his people and coordinating West Metro’s wildland fire response program. As the Wildland Team Coordinator for West Metro Fire Rescue (WMFR), Brendan created and implemented a wildland fire program that produces skilled firefighters ready to protect and defend the communities they serve well into the future. Not only do he develop his people for the future but also provide the equipment they need for a successful response.

As the architect behind WMFR’s Rapid Extraction Modules (REMs), Brendan took members from various disciplines and built them into highly effective, unified teams. Compassion for his people is clearly evident. Brendan's initiative and innovative leadership style resulted in development of one of the most capable off-road ambulances in the wildland fire service. Brendan's team knows brothers and sisters are ready to respond during their time of need.

Brendan has provided an example for others to follow.