Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Academy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Francisco Fire Youth Academy showcases leadership, seeks sustained funding
Summary
Cadets and leaders from the San Francisco Fire Youth Academy told the Fire Commission that a 15-year program run by the San Francisco Black Firefighters Association builds leadership and firefighting skills for 13–18-year-olds; the academy is seeking sustained funding and equipment support after a one‑time grant ends.
The San Francisco Fire Youth Academy, run by the San Francisco Black Firefighters Association, presented its work to the Fire Commission on Sept. 26, 2018, highlighting hands‑on training, leadership development and community outreach.
The academy, founded in 2003, meets Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and serves middle‑ and high‑school students, generally ages 13–18. Cadet Second Lieutenant Hadeel Flores said the program teaches firefighting fundamentals, first aid, government structure and financial management. “The academy meets on every Saturday except holiday weekends from 9AM to 1PM,” Flores told the commission, and described plans for the program’s regular schedule to return to a September‑to‑June calendar after the group’s Nov. 9, 2018 graduation.
Assistant Fire Marshal Tyrone Pruitt and Captain Sherman Tillman, president of the Black Firefighters Association, said the academy aims to create a pipeline from high school to City College of San Francisco and, ultimately, the San Francisco Fire Department for those who choose fire service careers. Pruitt said the group has reached roughly 370 youth over its history and that about 157 participants have completed the academy’s full graduation requirements. “We had 370 youth that came through the program…and we have about 157 that graduated,” Pruitt said during questioning.
Cadets and graduates described personal impacts. Graduate Diego Perez, who spent eight years in the program, credited the academy with teaching him financial literacy, discipline and public speaking skills. Cadet Joanna Lam said the academy taught leadership and interview skills she already uses at school.
Funding and equipment remain pressing needs. Pruitt said the Black Firefighters Association received $125,000 from the department this year that allowed recruitment beyond Bayview–Hunters Point; without that money, outreach had been limited to that neighborhood. He said the academy provides cadet uniforms, meals and a $100 monthly stipend based on participation. Pruitt also said the organization has an open request with the department for turnout coats, hoses and fittings and would welcome donations and recycled equipment.
Pruitt provided donation details to the commission: the San Francisco Fire Youth Academy is organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accepts contributions at 4936 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94124.
Commissioners, the chief and department staff praised the program’s diversity and educational value and offered assistance to explore formal partnerships with school districts and City College of San Francisco. Chief Joanne Hayes White said the commission and department will follow up on potential support and equipment requests.
The commission did not take formal action on funding at the meeting; the academy’s requests will be pursued through department channels and future agenda items.
