San Francisco Fire Department reports improved staffing, training pipeline and station projects

Chief of Department Janine Nicholson told the San Francisco Fire Commission that department operations and outreach are returning toward normal after pandemic disruptions.

Nicholson said staffing impacted by COVID has improved: "currently we have 13 members off, which is quite a change from a few months ago when we had 150." She reported 3 members in quarantine, 1 COVID-positive and 9 long-term absences (30 days or more). The chief also highlighted recruitment and workforce pipeline work, saying the 9/910 EMT program offered internships to 10 candidates who will accrue required ambulance hours toward permanent EMS positions.

On capital and budget matters, Nicholson said an Assembly bill sponsored by Assemblymember Phil Ting to acquire property for a future training center passed the Natural Resources Committee 11-0 and now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. She also said the Board of Supervisors approved a supplemental appropriation of about $14,000,000 to address COVID-related budget overruns.

Support-services updates included reports from Assistant Deputy Chief Ramon Serrano that Fire Station 14's rooftop and HVAC replacement is about halfway complete and that new equipment was craned onto the roof; Serrano estimated station work should be substantially complete around mid-April. Old Station 49 on Evans Street will be split between Community Paramedicine (second-floor offices) and the Bureau of Equipment/logistics (warehouse/clothing depot). Staff said tenant improvements are underway and a move-in date for community paramedicine offices is targeted for April 15, with some renovation costs covered by Proposition C.

Nicholson described several wellbeing and training initiatives: outreach videos highlighting women leaders, a station visit/resumption plan, a critical incident response class, expanded behavioral health supports and a pilot "coffee and conversations" program funded by the Asian Firefighters Association and Local 798 to provide off-campus clinician access. Investigative Services reported 51 random drug tests with all negatives; support services logged 153 new service requests in February with 98 orders completed.

Commissioners asked for clarifications on injury-report categories after a table appeared to show inconsistent counts for "eye" versus "head" injuries; staff acknowledged a likely typo and committed to follow up. Several commissioners praised the Station 35 ribbon-cutting and related outreach work.

The report concluded with an invitation from the chief for commissioners to ride along with the community paramedicine street wellness team.