The San Francisco City Council meeting on July 4, 2025, featured a significant presentation on the City EMT program, a nonprofit initiative aimed at increasing diversity within the first responder sector. Attica Bowden, the program's founder and a retired assistant fire marshal, highlighted the program's mission to support underrepresented communities in pursuing careers as emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

Bowden shared her personal journey and the program's inception, which began in early 2020. She noted the alarming decrease in the number of African American females in the San Francisco Fire Department over the years, emphasizing the need for targeted recruitment and support. The City EMT program received a $200,000 pilot grant from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, allowing it to launch its first cohort in January 2021.

Christine Heisen, the program director, reported that City EMT has successfully accepted 113 young adults across six cohorts, with 78 graduates and 72 alumni passing the National Registry EMT exam. Approximately 40 alumni have secured jobs in the field, thanks to partnerships with local fire departments and ambulance services. Heisen emphasized the program's commitment to ongoing support for graduates, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Alumnus Anthony Laws shared his transformative experience with City EMT, describing how the program provided him with direction and opportunities during a challenging period in his life. He expressed gratitude for the support he received, which has been instrumental in his pursuit of a career in emergency services.

Lieutenant Antoine Davis, a key mentor within the program, reinforced the importance of City EMT as a foundation for students, noting that not all participants aim to become firefighters. Many are exploring diverse career paths in healthcare and emergency services.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support from the San Francisco Fire Department and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to ensure the program's sustainability. Bowden expressed her hope for future funding to solidify the program's impact on the community and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of first responders.