Now in my sixth year at the OCFA, I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with all of you in countless situations — from Academy Graduations and Best & Bravest dinners to Incident Command Posts at structure fires and wildfires. And regardless of the setting, you have likely heard me speak to a “Mission-Driven Culture” (MDC), the core component of which is embedded in our new OCFA Organizational Doctrine that focuses on Intent-Based Operations and Decision-Making.

Ideally, we want all our decisions made at the right level, by the right people, at the right time, for the right reasons; a goal that can only be accomplished when we provide not just Leader’s Intent, but also the tools, training, and trust that empowers our personnel to execute it. In doing so, our firefighters and professional staff have the flexibility to lead with autonomy, responsibility, and accountability – even in the most harrowing and fast-moving circumstances.

The interconnection of Intent-Based Operations and leadership is the lifeblood of Leadership Development, as we can only delegate, entrust, and empower our people if we have strong, predictable, and trusted relationships throughout the chain of command.

Working together, we continue to build a system of succession and Leadership Development in a thoughtful and strategic three-step process:

• Step 1: Validate and refresh The OCFA Way, embedding our organizational identity and shared values in our mission, vision, and service principles.

• Step 2: Create and share our operating philosophy through an agency-wide, collaboratively developed OCFA Organizational Doctrine.

• Step 3: Develop our people by instilling, upholding, and enhancing the values, philosophies, and Intent-Based Leadership strategies of the OCFA Organizational Doctrine.

As you all know, Step 1 was accomplished in 2019, and today, we not only fulfill Step 2 with the launch of the OCFA Organizational Doctrine, but also move on to Step 3.

To that end, we encourage you to open, review, digest, and discuss the Doctrine’s four chapters — OCFA Organizational Philosophy, Organizational Values, and Leader’s Intent-Based Decisions, and OCFA Leadership. These four chapters fill the gaps between the “who we are” of The OCFA Way and navigate the “how we do it” that is the Doctrine’s overarching through-line.

While the OCFA has always had written policies and procedures that cover the standards expected during routine situations within the organization, those protocols don’t explain the philosophy of intent and the “how to” in all situations. This Doctrine further defines our decision space, especially outside of routine operations, delving into the philosophy of intent and empowering us to better navigate within policy while innovating solutions in real-time.

The Doctrine’s information and insights are interlinked, underscoring the importance of watching the Doctrine’s Video Overview along with reading and understanding all four of its chapters:

Organizational Philosophy

At the heart of our Organizational Philosophy, our mission defines our purpose and the benefits we bring to those we serve. Everything we do ultimately supports our combined efforts to accomplish OCFA’s mission. To that end, we are a mission-driven organization, and we choose priorities based on how well they align with our mission, applying principles that empower everyone at every level to contribute. Our Organizational Philosophy reflects this comprehensive focus and attention to our mission.

Organizational Values

Our Organizational Values are universal and pertain to the work of all sections. These values create the foundation for all members’ decision-making and action across the OCFA, regardless of position or function. Our organizational values are the shared team values that govern how we do our work.

Leader’s Intent-Based Decisions

At OCFA, we promote the concept of Leader’s Intent-Based Decisions, an approach that calls for decisions to be made at every level through the communication of leader’s intent. This practice empowers all of us to take initiative and use our best judgment to meet the intent of our leaders and best serve the mission. In other words, this chapter aims to ensure that all decisions are made by the right people, at the right level, at the right time, for the right reasons.

OCFA Leadership Standards

The success of the Orange County Fire Authority depends on our leaders. People deserve a leadership team that is strong and consistent across the organization. Thus, we have developed this document to provide clarity and guidance about what is expected from all leaders at the OCFA.

I want to thank everyone who dedicated their time to this significant effort, especially our Division Chiefs, including many who retired during this multi-step process.

Thank you, and welcome to The OCFA Organizational Doctrine.

-Brian Fennessy, Fire Chief