Fire Commission unanimously recommends acceptance of three federal grants for training, water rescue and PPE

The San Francisco Fire Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors accept three federal awards that the department says will fund training, waterfront response equipment and replacement personal protective equipment.

Director Mark Corso presented three items under consecutive resolutions. Item 5 appeared on the agenda as a fiscal year 2022 Port Security Grant valued at $112,500 for shipboard firefighting training, but Corso stated during his presentation that the award amount was $412,500 as staff develops specifications and curriculum. Commissioners approved the recommendation to the supervisors.

For item 6, Corso described a separate Port Security Grant award of $485,610 to buy water‑rescue equipment, set up an on‑water command communications capability and implement cybersecurity enhancements for the department’s fireboat. Corso told commissioners that combined federal funds and the city’s matching contribution exceed $500,000 and that matching funds have been identified in the department budget.

Item 7 was an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from FEMA totaling $2,325,133.81 intended to replace outdated turnout coats and pants and improve firefighter safety. Corso said the request included 1,100 coats and almost 600 pants to modernize protective equipment across units.

Commissioner Marcy Frasier moved to recommend the grants for acceptance and the motions were seconded; Vice President Morgan recorded an "aye" and the board clerk announced each item adopted unanimously. Commissioners noted the timing and the operational rationale for sending funds to waterfront and PPE needs.

The commission also continued Item 8 (acceptance of smoke detectors/carbon monoxide alarms) because the donation amount changed after the agenda was posted; staff said the item will return at a later meeting with the updated figures.