SFFD reports equipment acquisitions and wellness programs; commission votes to keep personnel matters confidential

Deputy Chief Tom O'Connor told the Fire Commission on Aug. 4 about homeland security exercises, equipment acquisitions and health and wellness programs, and the commission later voted to hold specified personnel matters in closed session and not to disclose details.

O'Connor said the department participated in an active‑shooter tabletop and a joint SFFD/Inert disaster drill at Treasure Island to refine shoring and rubble‑removal skills. He also highlighted a Northern California firefighter effort that collected turnout gear, hose and medical supplies for shipment to Poland for onward transport to Ukraine.

On logistics and fleet, O'Connor reported 123 service calls with 115 completed, 10 engines distributed to the field with one awaiting parts, two type‑6 wildland pumpers acquired and turnouts ordered for the next academy. He said the department identified 14 ambulances and has them in contract to mitigate ambulance shortages.

O'Connor described health and safety efforts including the peer support facility‑dog policy, weekly health and safety roundtables, behavioral health outreach and a proposed "30 in, 30 out" wellness program for long‑term firefighter health. He said a cancer foundation is consulting on blood‑protein screening research and that the department continues confidential behavioral‑health support for members.

After reports, the commission voted unanimously to go into closed session on listed personnel items pursuant to state and city codes. Upon return to open session the commission voted unanimously to withhold disclosure of closed‑session discussions. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.