City EMT program presents pathway results to Fire Commission; commissioners signal support

Attica Bowden, founder of the nonprofit City EMT, told the San Francisco Fire Commission that the program offers a pathway into first‑responder careers for underrepresented young adults and reported measurable outcomes.

Bowden said City EMT began with pilot funding from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and a $200,000 pilot allowed the first cohort to start in January 2021. Program director Christine Heisen said the organization has accepted 113 participants across cohorts, with 78 successful graduates; 72 alumni have passed the National Registry (NREMT) and about 40 have been placed in jobs or internships with partners including the San Francisco Fire Department and private ambulance companies (AMR, Royal Ambulance, Eagle Ambulance, King American, FALC).

Alumnus Anthony Laws described leaving warehouse work and using City EMT as a career pivot; he credited City EMT with support during certification and job search. Lieutenant Antoine Davis (San Francisco Black Firefighters Association) and Office of Economic and Workforce Development deputy director Jananne Howell reiterated the city’s partnership role and noted the program’s Dream Keeper funding that supports Black communities’ workforce pathways.

"We have an 85 percent first‑time pass rate for the national registry," Bowden said, noting the program exceeds national averages and that OEWD is the primary funder while foundation grants supplement operations. Bowden asked for continued SFFD engagement and for conversations about a potential recurring line item in future city budgets.

Commissioners praised the program’s outcomes and encouraged staff to pursue longer‑term budget support; the commission offered continued access for updates and acknowledged strong community and departmental collaboration.