Fire Commission hears update on hiring timeline as department readies new recruit class

Chief Joanne Hayes White told the San Francisco Fire Commission on April 25 that the department will refresh the National Testing Network eligible list through April 28 to finalize candidates for the next recruit class and that the mayor’s balanced budget—expected before June 1—will determine whether a previously requested full‑time hire is included.

The update came during the department report, where White also said the 124th class remains at 54 members in its fifth week after one resignation for injury. "It's in the thousands, maybe 2,500 or so, 3,000," White said when asked how many names appear on the eligible list, referring to applicants on the testing roster. She said Department of Human Resources will pull an updated list in May and that the department typically reviews such lists five to six months prior to selecting a new class.

Why it matters: Commissioners pressed for clarity about whether attendance at commission meetings or reserve service influences hiring. White told commissioners attendance and reserve service are considered among many factors but that there is no fixed quota for reserve hires. "It's certainly a factor in the totality of factors," she said.

Commissioner Joe Alioto Veronese asked whether the commission-requested full-time position remains under discussion with the mayor's office. White replied the request remains "on the table" and that the department expects to know more after the mayor submits a balanced budget to the Board.

The commission also asked the department to provide a headcount of reserve candidates on the eligible list; White agreed to supply that number at a future meeting. No formal action was taken.

The commission approved the April 11 meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote during the same meeting. The department will return with the requested reserve counts and any updates once the mayor’s budget is released.