FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno County Board of Supervisors Chairman Garry Bredefeld used his State of the County address Thursday to highlight progress in public safety, healthcare and infrastructure while recognizing community members and public servants whose work has shaped Fresno County.
The sold-out luncheon at the Fresno Convention Center drew elected officials and business leaders for Bredefeld’s address, titled “Building a Safer, Stronger Fresno County.” Fresno Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Miller noted the attention surrounding the event, telling attendees that Bredefeld is “never boring” and that there has never been so much interest in a chamber event in the organization’s 140-year history.
Bredefeld delivered a 30-minute speech focused on public safety initiatives, county investments and community service during a year in which Fresno County is celebrating its 170th anniversary.
“Our cities are safer because of the hard work, grit and determination of all our law enforcement partners,” Bredefeld said. “This tremendous success is achieved despite the continued weakening of criminal laws by Sacramento politicians.”
The chairman also addressed a viral promotional video released in July to promote the luncheon. The action movie-style video featured Bredefeld aboard a sheriff’s helicopter, in a boat and firing a rifle. An extended version shown during Thursday’s event poked fun at the original production, including a scene in which participants say, “No” and “It’s a bad idea; it isn’t going to do well in the media.”
Bredefeld highlighted several actions taken by the Board of Supervisors, including ordinances targeting copper wire theft, catalytic converter theft and illegal dog breeding. He also pointed to increased county investments in behavioral health facilities and programs, including “Boot Camp for New Dads.”
The chairman said Fresno County’s success is rooted in the people who serve the community.
“Long after budgets are spent and reports are filed, it’s the character of our people that make Fresno County special and thrive,” Bredefeld said.
One of the event’s featured recognitions went to Mona Ahmed, founder of Fresno Furry Friends, who received the Chairman’s Award for her work in animal rescue and efforts to prevent euthanizations through partnerships and advocacy.
“It’s a very good thing that we did; we got backyard breeders who breed without licenses, now they get fines,” Ahmed said. “It’s all about saving lives with animals. And that’s what my happiness and is my passion.”
Bredefeld also honored Chief Deputy District Attorney Kendall Reynolds and Commander Michael Johns for their roles in securing a rare second-degree murder conviction against a fentanyl dealer.
“I thought him really putting in back on law enforcement, first responders, those who really make this community go each and every day. I thought it was an outstanding job by the chairman,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds added that community engagement remains critical to public safety efforts.
“The more people that we have engaged in not only public safety, but also really caring for victims and being compassionate, that’s the way our community continues to grow and allow us to do the things that we enjoy every single day,” Reynolds said.
Bredefeld closed his remarks by emphasizing limited government and the county’s future priorities.
“Our vision for Fresno County is straightforward. Safer neighborhoods, stronger families, accountable government, reliable water quality infrastructure and the opportunity for every resident willing to work hard to pursue the American dream,” he said.
Speaking during Fresno County’s 170th anniversary year, Bredefeld said he chose to focus less on statistics and reports and more on the people whose service has helped shape the community.
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