Fire Commission welcomes three assistant deputy chiefs and discusses recruitment, retiree rehiring

The San Francisco Fire Commission on July 26 heard brief introductions from three newly appointed assistant deputy chiefs and a report on recruitment and retirement trends.

Chief Janine Nicholson introduced Mike Mullen (Assistant Deputy Chief of Support Services), Julie Mao (Assistant Deputy Chief, Director of Training), and Gareth Miller (Assistant Deputy Chief for the Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response bond program). Mullen said he has "25 years in the department," and Miller outlined his role overseeing bond-financed projects and urban search-and-rescue canine operations.

Deputy Chief Shane Kailoa described outreach and recruitment initiatives under the department’s DEI office including college-campus advertising, Chinese-language outreach, a partnership with Mission High for an "earn while you learn" program, and efforts to re-engage retired members. Commissioner discussion highlighted using ‘960’ retired-annuitant appointments to bring experienced retirees back part time to support training and outreach; Assistant Deputy Chief Buford said the use of 960s is a suggestion to expand capacity in DEI and training functions.

Kailoa reported retirement figures and staffing changes, saying the department had "41 members last month and 72 members total over the year," and that recent hires produced a net gain intended to reduce mandatory overtime. Commissioners asked for follow-up on the budgetary impact and any maximum numbers for rehired retirees.

Why it matters: the leadership transitions and recruitment initiatives are part of the department’s effort to stabilize staffing and expand training capacity amid ongoing retirements.

Next steps: staff said they will return with more detail on the 960 program, the UCSF partnership referenced in the report, and any budgetary implications of rehiring retirees.