San Francisco Fire Department honors retiring leaders and credits crews for two major rescues

Deputy Chief Robert Postel delivered his final operations report to the San Francisco Fire Commission on June 28, 2023, and used the occasion to highlight a string of recent incidents he said showed the department’s training and coordination.

Postel described a May high‑rise residential fire at 6 Locksley Avenue that required a second alarm, multiple evacuations and three transportations; he said crews contained the blaze to the unit of origin and that all transported people survived. He also recounted a May 22 second‑alarm fire at 3535 California (Laurel Village Shopping Center) in which crews discovered fire between an exterior and interior wall and quickly opened walls and attic spaces to prevent spread.

The most dramatic account was a May 29 water rescue at Candlestick Point. Postel said Engine 17‑crews found three victims and a good Samaritan about 800 meters offshore. According to Postel, Lieutenant Dustin Stewart and Firefighter Brandon Bowers — both department rescue swimmers but without wet suits or specialized rescue buoys — entered the water, swam to the victims and assisted them until SFPD marine units and airport rescue boats arrived. Postel said the actions saved four lives.

Postel praised incident commanders (Assistant Chief Bill Storty at the Locksley fire; Ken Yee at Laurel Village) and highlighted the role of assistant chiefs, battalion chiefs and the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Bureau of Communications in preventing worse outcomes. He singled out Battalion Chief Matt Kenn for work on the department’s computer‑aided dispatch and radio systems.

After the report, commissioners from across the panel praised Postel’s leadership and the field crews’ work. Vice President Armee Morgan called the Candlestick rescue “truly heroic.” Commissioners noted the training that enabled complex rescues and said they would continue to press for better facilities and support for field crews.

The meeting closed with tributes to Postel’s decades of service and well‑wishes for his retirement. Postel concluded the report by thanking staff and saying he was proud of the department’s results.

The commission took no formal policy action on these incidents during the meeting; the accounts served as an operations update and farewell for Postel.