Commission approves minutes, adopts procedural‑rule changes and honors firefighters; closed session held

The Fire Commission handled several procedural and ceremonial items on Nov. 14.

During general business the commission unanimously approved minutes from its Oct. 24 meeting after a small correction noted by Commissioner Francie Covington. President Ken Cleveland called for public comment; none was received on the minutes.

The commission recognized two San Francisco police officers — Nikosa Wise and Brian Carew — with certificates of meritorious conduct for administering CPR and saving a life on Sept. 19, during an opioid‑induced respiratory arrest response that included Narcan administered by firefighters and paramedics.

City Attorney Brad Russi brought forward amendments to the commission’s procedural rules to formalize an initial case‑management telephone conference in disciplinary matters and to codify the option of voluntary early case resolution conferences (excluding termination cases). Commissioner Covington moved to adopt the rule changes; Commissioner Hardiman seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

On scheduling and other business, the commission set a public input meeting for Nov. 28 (to gather department member input on chief qualifications) and adjusted closed‑session and interview dates for the chief recruitment to Jan. 4 and Jan. 8. The commission also created a small subcommittee to draft retreat follow‑up recommendations with Commissioners Veronese and Covington charged to return with a report.

The commission convened a closed session to consider a personnel matter and returned to open session to report it had upheld counsel recommendations. The commission voted to keep the closed‑session discussions confidential and adjourned in memory of retired members Lynette Dreyer, Sid Taylor and Captain Matt Plescia.

Motions and votes taken on Nov. 14 were recorded on the public record and passed by unanimous vote where noted.