SFFD details training rollouts, drone program and station delays; Station 35 held up by PG&E connection issues

Deputy Chief Jose Velo told the Fire Commission on Feb. 24 that the department is advancing training and equipment programs despite pandemic constraints. The new captain's academy includes three modules totaling 24 hours and has enrolled roughly 60 people from the promotional list, Velo said.

Velo reviewed capital and fleet matters: Station 49 is nearing completion, six new engines are undergoing final inspection in Riverside with expected delivery to San Francisco soon, and the chassis for a mobile air unit has arrived. On host-tender apparatus, Velo said the department had budgeted five but procurement now shows three bidders; those new host tenders include pumps rated near 5,000 gallons per minute to support portable-hydrant systems.

Chief Articeros briefed commissioners on the drone program: "We have 1 primary drone, and then we have 2 smaller drones," he said, and about nine members are in a certification cadre to support surf-and-cliff rescue and Bayview operations. Velo said drone operational plans are in review and staffing rotations will be considered as the program grows.

Commissioners pressed staff on a delay at Station 35. Velo said the originally identified PG&E point of connection was later found insufficient for the station's load, requiring design revisions and negotiations between the design-build contractor and PG&E; staff warned the change is delaying the station and may increase costs borne by bond funds or the project team.

No procurement awards or contract approvals were finalized at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with additional cost estimates and procurement panel results.