Caloa Academy graduates recruits after extensive firefighting training

The recent meeting of the San Francisco Fire Department highlighted significant advancements in training and operational readiness for both recruits and reserve firefighters. The meeting, held on July 4, 2025, focused on the upcoming graduation of the latest academy class, scheduled for this Friday at 9:30 AM. This marks the culmination of a 20-week training program where recruits have been honing their firefighting skills, culminating in live burn training exercises.

Chief Kalua, the training chief and instructor for fire control, emphasized the hands-on approach taken during the training, which allows recruits to apply their learned skills in real-world scenarios. The department is also revitalizing its reserve program, with new reservists joining the ranks and participating in essential drills at the Training Institute (TI). These drills include operations such as refilling auxiliary water supply systems and preparing for large-scale fire responses.

In addition to traditional firefighting training, the department has been conducting rescue swim training and coastal incident command system exercises. These annual refreshers are crucial for maintaining the skills necessary for water rescue operations. The meeting also noted the successful collaboration with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), which provided funding for advanced training classes. Recently, a technical rescue class was hosted, allowing many firefighters to enhance their skills in structural collapse scenarios using specialized equipment.

Overall, the meeting underscored the department's commitment to continuous training and operational excellence, ensuring that both new recruits and seasoned firefighters are well-prepared for the challenges they may face in the field.