Supervisors endorse firefighter property programs to access surplus federal and state equipment

The Budget and Finance Committee voted unanimously to forward two resolutions that would let the San Francisco Fire Department participate in the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and the Firefighter Property Program (FFPP), programs that provide access to surplus equipment from federal and state agencies.

Assistant Deputy Chief Shane Kailoa told the committee the programs would allow the department to obtain surplus apparatus, support vehicles, generators, lighting, pumps, hoses and personal protective equipment from sources such as the Department of Defense, CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service. Kailoa said the programs reduce acquisition time and cost, help address supply‑chain shortages and improve disaster preparedness by increasing the department’s ability to field resources during incidents.

Kailoa emphasized that the program is effectively "no cost" only with qualifications: after approval the department would be responsible for transportation, retrofitting, painting/striping, packaging, maintenance and insurance. He explained an internal and external screening process would prevent inappropriate acquisitions (for example, aviation assets), and said acquired property must be placed into service within one year.

Supervisor Connie Chan asked how maintenance and insurance costs would be calculated; Kailoa said that would require coordination with the Fire Chief and support services and that the department would manage acquisitions relative to its annual maintenance budget. Vice Chair Supervisor Asha Safai said she supports the program and asked to be added as a co‑sponsor.

There was no public comment. The committee approved forwarding both items to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

Next steps: If the Board approves the resolutions, the Fire Department will establish an internal administrator and procedures for screening, acquisition, retrofit and budgeting for transportation and maintenance costs.