Our People

Division Chief Jim Henery is a respected leader within the Orange County Fire Authority whose distinguished career spans more than three decades of dedicated service. He began his fire service journey in 1987 with the Santa Ana Fire Department as a firefighter, quickly discovering a deep passion for helping others and a commitment to public safety that would guide the rest of his career.

Over the years, Jim steadily rose through the ranks, serving as a firefighter paramedic, apparatus operator, captain, and battalion chief. His experience has taken him to every corner of OCFA’s service area — across all 23 cities and the many unincorporated communities we protect. In 2019, he was promoted to Division Chief and now leads Division 6, overseeing operations in the City of Santa Ana.

A career as long and impactful as Jim’s naturally comes with many unforgettable moments. He’s been part of countless life-saving efforts, including rescues from burning buildings, water towers, and even collapsed construction trenches. Yet, among all those experiences, one type of call stands out most: delivering babies — twelve in total. “It’s always something to see a new life come into the world,” he says, reflecting on those special moments.

For those aspiring to join the fire service, Jim’s advice is straightforward and meaningful: “We are looking for people who have a strong work ethic, believe in putting others first, and work well in a team environment.”

As he reflects on his remarkable career, Jim finds it especially meaningful to once again serve the community where it all began. “It’s interesting that as I get closer to the end of my career, I’m back in Santa Ana — the place where this journey started so many years ago,” he shares.

Chief Henery’s leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service have made a lasting impact on OCFA, the fire service, and the countless lives he has touched throughout his career.