SFFD details expanded recruitment, DEI and candidate pipelines; H2/H3 testing and boot camps planned

Department leaders presented a multi-part plan to increase recruitment and improve hiring equity at the San Francisco Fire Department.

Deputy Chief Tom O'Connor and Assistant Deputy Chief Sean Buford described partnerships with City College and SF Unified and said the department is working to expand a Mission High School fire and EMS pipeline into other schools. Acting Battalion Chief Julie Mao gave numbers for recent hiring cycles: "There were a total of 351 interviews. Of that, 130 of them are moving forward with the chief's interviews," she said, describing H2 (entry-level) interview activity. For the H3 testing cycle, she said about 170 people took the exam and 114 candidates had signed up for upcoming physical ability tests scheduled later in March.

Buford and Mao said the department is moving to a hybrid testing model that will include the National Testing Network and the FCTC test beginning in June to broaden access and provide more candidate support. They also described recurring boot camps run with United Fire Service Women and an April 22 boot camp for candidates in the next academy class.

Commissioners praised the outreach and asked for follow-up data, including tracking of behavioral health unit visits and more detailed reporting on where media clips and videos are stored for review. Department staff said they would provide the requested tracking data and follow up on media accessibility.