(KNX 1070) -- Between wildfires and the tragic shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill, Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen has been at the helm in one of the toughest times in California first responder history.
"The last year has been hard, from the Thomas Fire to Borderline to the Hill and Woolsey fires, it's been a traumatic year for our county and our communities," Lorenzen told the VC Star. "But I'm constantly impressed by the resiliency of our county."
Congresswoman Julia Brownley has chosen Lorenzen to be her guest at Tuesday night's presidential State of the Union Address in an effort to thank him for his hard work and leadership.
"I am honored that Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen will join me as my guest for the State of the Union," said Brownley, D-Westlake Village, in a statement. "From the Thomas Fire to the recent Woolsey and Hill fires, our community has been tested, but with the brave leadership of Chief Lorenzen, we have remained strong and resilient.
Lorenzen has been chief since 2012, after leaving his position as county firefighter in the 1990s.
"Regardless of my personal political persuasion, it's neat to represent our first responders," Lorenzen said, "I'm really excited to see everything I've always watched on television most of my adult life. It really is a treat."
The State of the Union will begin Tuesday at 6 p.m. PST.
