SFFD details APEC preparations, new hires and an upcoming medical director retirement

The San Francisco Fire Commission heard an hour-long departmental report on Nov. 8 from Chief of Department Janine Nicholson outlining how preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings have reshaped operations across the department.

"Its all APEC all the time right now," Nicholson said, describing coordination with the Secret Service and other agencies and warning of planned street closures around Moscone Center that will affect response routes and public access. She said staffing models were altered to cover anticipated surge needs and that many nonessential days off have been canceled for partner agencies.

Why it matters: Commissioners pressed the chief for more logistics and public communications because the events will bring high-profile visitors and large numbers of attendees to the city. Nicholson and Deputy Chief Shane Kailoa said some details are being withheld for security reasons but that the department expects multiagency briefings and a public communication plan to be released ahead of the busiest days.

Operational and personnel items in the report included newly hired trades staff — plumber Mario Trimababe and electrician Brian Yang — which Nicholson said will reduce outsourced repair costs and speed station maintenance. She also highlighted outreach and recruitment work by Hashim Anderson in the departments equity and inclusion office and announced that Dr. Jennifer Brokaw, the departments physician, plans to retire in March 2024; Nicholson said the department is drafting a job announcement and will involve the commission in the hiring process.

The report covered training and readiness items as well: a recent multi-casualty incident drill at Pier 80, participation in cultural events and community outreach, and an October support exercise the department ran with military partners to test interoperability and urban search-and-rescue procedures.

What commissioners asked for: Members requested clearer public guidance on travel and access during APEC, more precise estimates of visitor counts and staffing impacts, and a briefing from the Secret Service about traffic interruptions. Nicholson and Kailoa said a communication plan was expected to be released and that they would present further updates to the commission.

The meeting record shows no public comment on the chiefs report and no formal action beyond commissionersquestions and the departmentstaffreport. The commission then moved on to the agendas next items.