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Fire Department outlines strategic-plan priorities, academy status and equipment updates
Summary
The Fire Department updated the commission on its strategic plan (operations, community preparedness, health/wellness, infrastructure, recruitment), academy classes, Station 5 construction, grants and homeland-security preparations; commissioners asked follow-ups on EMS alternative-destination pilots, grant-writing capacity and drone policy.
The Fire Department used its March 27 commission meeting to present a strategic-plan update and departmental operational reports that covered academy classes, facilities projects and homeland-security work.
"We've concentrated in the plan on improving overall delivery of services," Mark Horsoff, finance and planning, told commissioners as he outlined five sections of the strategic plan that include operations, community preparedness and partnerships, health and wellness, infrastructure and recruitment/staffing/training.
Why it matters: The strategic-plan items map directly to funding decisions the department will seek in the ESER bond and the mayor—s budget. Commissioners and staff framed recruitment, radio and CAD upgrades, grant-writing capacity and peer-support enhancements as priorities tied to both departmental performance and upcoming budget discussions.
Key operational updates: Chief Joanne Hayes White said the 120th academy is in its ninth week with 45 recruits remaining and that the 126th class is expected to be scheduled later in the year. Assistant Deputy Chief Rivera briefed commissioners on facility projects: Fire Station 5 construction is near completion with a tentative ribbon cutting in April and an ambulance deployment facility is under construction. The department reported new apparatus receipts and orders (new engines, trucks and ambulances) and said it is pursuing CEQA and permitting for a new fireboat float at Station 35.
Policy pilots and staffing: Commissioners asked about an "alternative destinations" pilot for EMS transport and whether state or federal approvals are required. Chief Zanoff and other staff said the pilot is still in development, would require state and federal approvals and is not yet operational. Commissioners also pressed staff on hiring a grant writer; staff said the position remains open and outreach is being expanded.
Homeland security and technology: Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Cochran reported on Fleet Week planning, active-shooter coordination with SFPD and initial drone-use language reviewed by the city attorney; staff said drone procedures will next go to Cal OES for approval before deployment.
Next steps: Commissioners requested written versions of the strategic-plan update, continued briefings on academy scheduling and grant-writer recruitment, and follow-up reports on EMS pilots and drone policy timelines.
