SFFD names new fire marshal and training chief as department emphasizes member safety, training and after-action findings

Chief of Department Dean Matthew Crispin and Deputy Chief Patrick Rabbit used their Feb. 12 Fire Commission reports to highlight the department's operational priorities, leadership changes, training realignment and recent after-action findings.

Crispin opened by saying the department's "most paramount issue for us is safety of our members," and said that safety would guide equipment, purchasing and training decisions. He described a hiring emphasis on local recruitment, expanded disaster-preparedness exercises held Monday mornings, increased interdepartmental coordination for expected large events this weekend (Lunar New Year parade and the NBA All-Star Game) and early work on a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) project. He announced and introduced new bureau leaders: Fire Marshal Chad Law and Chief of Training Mark Casper.

Crispin identified three budget priorities: staffing (to avoid unsafe reductions), fleet condition (plans to address aging apparatus with a goal to keep frontline apparatus no older than 15 years and relief pieces no longer than 20 years) and facilities (leaky roofs, mold and seismic issues at some stations). He said the department is exploring procurement and leasing options to address apparatus replacement timelines and costs.

Deputy Chief Patrick Rabbit summarized operations in January: the department responded to more than 1,400 building alarm activations, 154 full-box alarms and 10 working fires, as well as 10 successful water rescues. Rabbit described an after-action report for a January 19 motor vehicle accident at Sixth and Harrison that began as a yellow alert and upgraded to a red alert; that incident resulted in one fatality, one red patient transported code 3, and seven green patients. "Within 2 minutes of their initial response, this yellow alert was upgraded to a red alert," Rabbit said in his presentation.

Training changes included a revised weekly drill schedule, added EMS drills to meet licensing requirements, a battalion chief academy in January that trained about 30 members, and the start of the 130th Fire Academy (54 recruits). Rabbit also described the department's NERC (Neighborhood Emergency Response) program and noted a visit by Mayor Lurie to Nineteenth and Folsom training facilities.

Other operational notes: the department is advancing potable high-pressure water (PUF/potable) installations in parts of the city west of Twin Peaks and working with the Port regarding fireboat manifold readiness. At the airport, the department reported 542 incidents in January and ongoing training and badging for airport rescue firefighters.

Commissioners thanked departing leaders (named in the meeting) and congratulated new appointees. Several commissioners pressed for clarity on staffing projections; Chief Crispin said the department projects 40 to 50 retirements in the coming fiscal year and potentially 117 retirements the following year, and said that continuing hiring is critical to maintain safe operations.

The commission received the reports; no formal vote accompanied these reports.