San Francisco Black Firefighters Association outlines youth academy, marks 50th anniversary

The San Francisco Black Firefighters Association on Aug. 4 told the Fire Commission about its youth academy, community outreach and a two‑day 50th‑anniversary celebration.

"We are the San Francisco Black Firefighters Association and once again we appreciate the opportunity to highlight our organization," said a BFA representative opening the presentation. The group said it was founded in 1972, maintains a headquarters at 4936 Third Street in Bayview and has about 110 active members.

Acting Lieutenant John Smith, vice president of the association and lead instructor for the youth academy, described a volunteer program that serves students roughly 14–19 years old and meets Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Our curriculum is very dynamic," he said, listing CPR certification, basic first aid, physical fitness, mental wellness, financial literacy, etiquette training and team building. Station visits and hands‑on exposure to apparatus are central activities, he said.

BFA leaders said the academy receives funding from the Dream Keepers initiative, membership dues and assistance from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. The association also partners with City EMT and local nonprofits on programs such as reading initiatives, backpack and turkey giveaways, and coding classes run by Mission Bit.

Zach Pumphrey, a BFA sergeant‑at‑arms and battalion chief, urged commissioners and the public to support the organization's recruitment and leadership development work and outlined training reimbursements for members who attend outside courses. "We strongly encourage our new members to participate as much as possible with our ongoing community service," he said.

The association announced a two‑day 50th‑anniversary program with a Friday "Legends of Honor" event recognizing early black firefighters and a Saturday gala featuring guest speakers, a dinner and a silent auction. The BFA encouraged ticket purchases to support programming.

Commissioners commended the presentation and asked for outcome data. Vice President Steven Acacio and others asked how many students have graduated from the youth academy since its founding; BFA leaders said they would provide a specific number after the meeting.

The presentation concluded with the commission thanking the BFA for community partnerships and for providing recruitment pathways into the fire service.