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Former SFFD chief Joanne Hayes White disputes claims in Captain Tillman presentation
Summary
Joanne Hayes White, SFFD chief from 1990–2019, told commissioners that statements in an Oct. 28 presentation alleging she hired H2 classes with no Black members were false and asked the commission to review hiring data she submitted.
Joanne Hayes White, who identified herself as a longtime member of the San Francisco Fire Department and former chief, used the meeting’s public‑comment slot to contest portions of a prior presentation by Captain Tillman.
"Many of the assertions made were factually incorrect and, in my opinion, irresponsible," Hayes White said. She specifically disputed an October presentation claim that she hired H2 entry‑level classes that contained no Black members, calling that assertion "patently false." Hayes White said all H2 entry‑level classes hired during her tenure included Black candidates and described the department’s workforce as a "rich blend" that reflected the community.
Hayes White said she submitted a letter to the commission and asked that the hiring data be reviewed. She referenced a 2016 U.S. Department of Labor report titled Promising Practices for Increasing Diversity Among First Responders that recognized the San Francisco Fire Department’s recruitment efforts and urged commissioners to take the record into account.
She also thanked Commissioner DeCauzio (sic) for requesting department recruitment and retention data during the prior meeting. The commission did not take immediate action on the comment but staff have the public comment letter on file and commissioners may seek more information in follow‑up agenda items.
