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Chief Nicholson reports on staffing, decontamination policy, drone review and event planning
Summary
Chief Janine Nicholson briefed the commission on staffing and promotions, training and recruitment, a new fireground decontamination policy with mandatory training and kits, progress on the drone policy and operational planning for large events including requests for an emergency lane for the Chase Center opening.
Chief of Department Janine Nicholson delivered the department’s operations report, updating the commission on recruiting, promotions, training and planned event staffing.
Nicholson said the department is nearly finished with station visits, is still awaiting a finalized budget, and is working with labor on budget requests. She said promotion-exam practices are under review; the paramedic captain’s exam is anticipated in November and the department is considering alterations to the duration of eligibility lists going forward.
On recruitment, Nicholson said the next recruit academy class is intended to be 54 trainees and that meet-and-greets and interviews are under way. She described planning for the Chase Center opening, noting coordination with the mayor’s office, SFMTA and venue staff and requesting an emergency response lane on Terry Francois or Third Street to support access during concurrent events.
Nicholson and deputies outlined a new fireground decontamination general order and distribution of decon kits that include a brush, specialized soap, wipes and a mask. The policy prescribes on-scene and post-incident steps intended to reduce firefighter exposure to toxic residues and will be enforced at the incident-commander level. “We will make it happen,” Nicholson said when asked about enforcement and implementation; staff said the policy will be accompanied by mandatory training and an instructional video produced by department personnel.
Administrative Deputy Chief Jose Vela described other changes: new training modules (including live fire and active-shooter training), accreditation renewals, a rope-rescue class funded by grant support, and fleet updates (four of six new engines in service and 15 ambulances placed into service). Vela also gave a status update on the department drone policy, noting FEMA’s suggested additions, inclusion of civil-rights language and a complaint procedure, and said staff will send the policy to Cal OES for final review before going to bid.
Commissioners asked for future briefings on Narcan administration numbers and EMS 6 workload data, and praised the decontamination policy and training initiatives. Nicholson closed by requesting the meeting be adjourned in memory of Captains William Murray and Jerry Cohen.
