The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Station #41 is a 24,000 square-foot facility consisting
of office and hangar space that supports OCFA’s firefighting and rescue operations throughout Southern
California. Located at the Fullerton Municipal Airport, the station houses helicopters and an aircraft
maintenance bay.Its central location enhances operational readiness, service range, and rapid response
capabilities across the region.
The Firefighter Team
CHUCK HAWKINS
FIRE RESCUE HELICOPTER CAPTIAN
Why do you love America?
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel and see a bit of the world. One of my favorite parts of traveling is
coming home. I love about America how vast and diverse we are, both in our geography and in our
people. I love that you can be whatever you want to be, with whomever you want. I love that Americans
(whether born or naturalized) are proud of being American.”
JESSE GREER
FIRE RESCUE HELICOPTER PILOT
What is your profession, and why do you do it?
"I am a professional helicopter pilot. I’ve spent my career flying in service to others — from military
operations to firefighting and emergency response. I chose this profession because it combines
skill, discipline, and service. This profession has allowed me to contribute to something larger than
myself. Whether protecting communities from wildfires, or training the next generation of aviators,
the work represents a small but meaningful way to give back to a country that has given me
extraordinary opportunity."
Why do you love America?
"I love America because it is founded on freedom and responsibility. It’s a nation built on the belief
that individuals have inherent rights — and the opportunity to shape their own future through hard
work and character."
What freedoms do you value most in this country?
"I value the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights — freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the
press, the right to due process, and the right to bear arms. These rights allow individuals to think,
speak, and act independently while protecting themselves and holding the government accountable.
They are the foundation of our liberty, and I value them because they preserve both opportunity and
responsibility, ensuring every citizen can contribute to the country’s future."
What does “the American Dream” look like to you?
"Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To pursue happiness; Find someone to love, find
something to do, and have something to look forward to."
What part of America’s history inspires you?
"I’m inspired by the courage and determination of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They faced
unknown wilderness, harsh weather, and countless challenges, yet pressed forward with purpose and
perseverance. Their journey wasn’t just about discovery; it was about grit, adaptability, and teamwork
in the face of uncertainty — qualities that define the American spirit. Their example reminds me that
progress often comes through courage, preparation, and unwavering commitment."
What do you wish more people understood about this country?
"I wish more people understood that America is not defined solely by its government — it’s defined by
its citizens. The strength of this country has always come from individuals who take responsibility,
contribute to their communities, and uphold its principles in daily life."
What do you think is important for the next generation to know?
"I want the next generation to know that character matters — integrity, work ethic, and accountability
are not outdated values. They are the foundation of leadership and lasting success. Most of all, I
want them to know that America’s future is not guaranteed. It will be shaped by their willingness to
serve, to participate, and to protect the principles that have carried this country for 250 years."
BRIAN CARNES
PARAMEDIC RESCUER
What is your profession, and why do you do it?
"I am a Firefighter for Orange County Fire Authority. I work as a firefighter paramedic on our technical
rescue units, and as a helicopter paramedic rescuer on our helicopters. I love being a part of our teams
that respond to high risk low frequency rescue calls in our county. I find the work challenging, the
training exciting, and the outcomes extremely rewarding to know that my hard work made it so we could
rescue people from tough and sometimes unique situations to get them safely back to their families."
Why do you love America?
"I love America because from its founding in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence,
itenshrined the belief that the rights of all people must be protected from oppression and tyranny.
Though we have often fallen short of that promise, our democracy remains participatory and resilient,
always striving to live up to those ideals."
What freedoms do you value most in this country?
"Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom to protest. All building together to have the freedom
to hold our government accountable for its actions and call it out when it falls short without retaliation."
What values do you hope America never loses?
"Free and fair elections"
How has living in America shaped who you are today?
"I was raised in a world built on a foundation that we should strive to protect all people from
oppression. We can fight for a world that is fair to everyone, not just those with means or with power."
What does “the American Dream” look like to you?
"Everyone, no matter where they start, has a fair opportunity to succeed and build a stable, safe, dignified
life for themselves and their family. It means everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and
the opportunity to earn a living wage."
What part of America’s history inspires you?
"I'm inspired by those who fight for the American Dream on behalf of others, not just for themselves
or their own family — even at personal risk. I'm inspired whenever someone stands up for those who
don’t have the power or means to fight successfully on their own."
What do you wish more people understood about this country?
"The most vocal do not represent most of the people."
What do you think is important for the next generation to know?
"Those who fight to enrich themselves and their friends instead of fighting for those who need fighting
for risk destroying 250 years of slow progress."
“I’m grateful for elections in this country.”
How are you celebrating America's 250th birthday?
"Nothing major planned. I plan to cherish what America is today. I will tell my children that I am so
proud that we the people have survived 250 years of democracy and evolved that democracy to better
represent everyone. But recognize that we are one of the longest standing democracies in the history of
mankind. That history shows that the natural course of human evolution is for those in power to take
advantage of those who aren’t and to strip away the rights of those less represented. We must continue
to have people fight against those tendencies or see our country fall to them."
