Board advances ordinance to presume job‑related heart trouble and pneumonia for firefighters and police officers

The Board of Supervisors passed on first reading an ordinance on Sept. 17 that would amend the administrative code to create presumptions for industrial disability and death benefits related to heart trouble and pneumonia for San Francisco firefighters and police officers.

Supervisor Brown (lead sponsor) said the change will bring San Francisco into alignment with state labor code, nearby municipalities and local policy for sheriff’s deputies. Under the proposal, if a firefighter or police officer develops heart trouble or pneumonia and there is no evidence the condition existed at the time of hire, the city would presume the condition resulted from job conditions, easing applications for disability and retirement benefits.

Brown and supporters described the proposal as recognizing the physical stress and chemical exposures first responders face daily. Supervisor Safaie, a retirement board commissioner, said fiscal impacts are minimal — “less than $300,000 a year” — and that recognition of job‑related risks is important. Several supervisors described participating in intense training with the fire department over the weekend that deepened their appreciation for first responders’ work.

The ordinance requires nine votes for passage on first reading under Charter section A8.5; the board recorded no objections and passed the ordinance on first reading. The final fiscal impact will be subject to actuarial review and retirement board analysis as the measure advances.