The San Francisco Fire Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address critical updates regarding the department's administrative procedures and regulations. The meeting focused on two main agenda items: the adoption of revised binding arbitration rules for administrative appeals and the approval of updated rules and regulations for the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD).

The session began with a discussion led by Chief Tong, who emphasized the importance of internal education for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and the establishment of a town hall concept to enhance communication within the department. This initiative aims to foster familiarity among members and address their concerns more effectively.

The commission then moved to Item 5, which involved a vote on adopting revised binding arbitration rules for administrative appeals. These rules, posted on the SFFD website on September 1, 2023, are designed to ensure compliance with the Firefighters Bill of Rights Act. The proposed rules would apply to final disciplinary determinations made by the fire commission on verified complaints filed by the fire chief. The rules are set to expire one year after approval unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

City Attorney representatives provided clarification on the necessity of these rules, citing the need to comply with the Morgado decision, which highlighted deficiencies in the previous appeal process. Several commissioners expressed frustration over the lengthy timeline to address compliance issues, with Commissioner Feinstein questioning the lack of communication regarding ongoing discussions between the city attorney's office and the Department of Human Resources (DHR).

Public comments during the meeting reflected significant concern from former firefighters regarding the lack of an appeals process following their separations. Many voiced their dissatisfaction with the proposed rules, arguing that they do not adequately rectify past violations of the Firefighter Bill of Rights. The sentiment among public commenters was that the commission's actions were insufficient to address the grievances of affected firefighters.

Following extensive discussion and public input, the commission voted on the binding arbitration rules, passing the motion with a vote of 4 to 1. The meeting then transitioned to Item 6, where Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Mullen presented revisions to the SFFD rules and regulations, which had not been updated since 2012. Mullen outlined significant changes, including the establishment of new divisions, the removal of outdated language, and the addition of accountability measures for leadership roles within the department.

The commission's efforts to modernize its rules and ensure compliance with state laws reflect a commitment to improving the operational framework of the San Francisco Fire Department. The meeting concluded with a call for further engagement and communication between the commission and the city attorney's office to prevent future compliance issues.