Fire chief emphasizes aging apparatus, behested payment legislation and responder wellness in May 28 report

Chief Dean Crispin, chief of department for the San Francisco Fire Department, opened his May 28 report by honoring Captain Giulio DeLuqui, who died May 22 after an 18‑month battle with pancreatic cancer. Crispin asked for a moment of silence and provided updates on department operations, staffing and legislative priorities.

Crispin told the commission that the department remains focused on three priorities: "staffing, apparatus, and facilities." He said aging apparatus — which he and public commenters said often exceed their 15‑year useful life — are increasingly expensive to maintain and risk operational reliability.

Public comment preceded the report. Gladys Wong, who identified herself as a resident, asked the commission to support no‑parking restrictions on Lucky Street to improve emergency access, saying the lack of clearance is "a detriment" and urging a "letter for no, lucky, no parking." Eileen Bogan of the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods said she submitted a letter supporting a Board of Supervisors ordinance to purchase fire apparatus and asked why prior FEMA grants for apparatus and infrastructure upgrades were not fully pursued. Bogan said, "Since the average lifespan of fire apparatus is 15 years and the department has some apparatus which are over 20 years old, their replacement is essential."

Behested payments and budget process

Crispin reported that two pieces of legislation — a behested payments waiver and a sole‑source authorization — passed their first Board of Supervisors votes and were expected to return for a second hearing. He said the department described fleet deterioration and maintenance costs at an audit and oversight committee hearing and estimated maintenance can run "upwards and above sometimes of $500,000 a month." The chief said the mayor's preliminary budget would be released by the Mayor's Office and the department expected hearings with the Board of Supervisors and the budget analyst in June.

Recruitment, training and program updates

Crispin and administrative staff highlighted the department's community paramedicine program; Chief Crispin said the seventh community paramedicine cohort graduated 12 students. He said the 130th recruit class was in its nineteenth week and scheduled to graduate June 6; recruits will receive new driver, tiller and pump operator training on Treasure Island.

Health, safety and wellness measures

Deputy Chief Sayumi Bridal reported on health and safety initiatives, including handout of turnout‑gear bags intended to reduce vehicle contamination and family exposure to carcinogens. Bridal said research shows firefighter exposures can increase health risks for members' children and that the department distributed one bag to each frontline firefighter. Bridal also described a trauma risk‑management peer program and outreach to employee health and workers' compensation staff to better coordinate post‑trauma and return‑to‑work processes.

Minutes and routine business

The commission approved minutes from the May 14 regular meeting. A commissioner moved to approve the minutes; the motion received a second and passed. President Marcy Frazier recorded an "aye" vote on the motion and the clerk announced the motion passed.

What's next

Crispin said the department will continue to brief the Board of Supervisors and the budget analyst; personnel matters such as selection for the vacant section chief of EMS and future academy start dates will be announced at upcoming meetings. Commission members thanked staff for outreach and expressed support for behested‑payment legislation and firefighter wellness initiatives.