San Francisco Fire Auxiliary Reserves present training, recruitment update to commission

Commander Buckley and Deputy Commander Pena presented an overview of the San Francisco Fire Department Auxiliary Reserves, telling the commission the unit was established in 1941 to supplement the department during large incidents and disasters. “We were established in 1941 during World War II to supplement the fire department,” Buckley said, and he described the reserves’ role in supporting logistics on large incidents, including changing SCBA bottles, moving hose and setting up rehab stations.

Buckley said the reserves run a 20-week academy for new members and train weekly; senior reservists are the rostered responders for second- and third-alarm incidents and receive text notifications through the department emergency management system. “We get texts on second alarms and then we’ll respond on third alarms,” Buckley said, describing how senior members meet at mobile air, coordinate with incident command and perform tasks that free sworn personnel to focus on interior operations.

Vice President Steven Acasio and other commissioners praised the reserves and asked operational questions about how reservists integrate into incident command. Deputy Chief Postel and a presenting deputy chief described the reserves’ logistical value at large incidents, including getting Gleason valves on high-pressure hydrants and moving master stream appliances into position.

Multiple new and current reservists introduced themselves to the commission, identifying neighborhoods or current employers and saying why they joined. Names introduced included Jack Chen, Steven Tortorelli, Alex Colbert and others from across San Francisco; several said they view the reserves as a pathway into full-time department roles.

The commission thanked the reserves for the presentation and for recent volunteer support at community events. No formal action or vote was taken on the presentation.