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Chief reports AWSS progress, academy graduations and training‑facility search
Summary
Chief Joanne Hayes White and Deputy Chief Janine Nicholson reported on AWSS collaboration with the PUC, recruit classes and graduation plans, promotions and a search for a long‑term training facility; Chief also described a recent West Portal third‑alarm fire with no injuries.
Chief Joanne Hayes White and Deputy Chief Janine Nicholson delivered the department’s operational report at the Jan. 24 commission meeting, summarizing staffing, training, incident response and AWSS coordination.
Hayes White said the department is engaged with the Public Utilities Commission on an AWSS options analysis and that a joint review — including a third‑party report by Professor Charles Cawthorn — identified a recommended option (option 12). She said the department has ‘‘final sign off on anything related to fire suppression’’ and noted PUC staff identified approximately $40,000,000 to advance the recommended option; Hayes White and PUC staff will present to the Government Audit & Oversight Committee on Feb. 7.
The chief reported staffing and training updates: the 120th third class is in its 18th week with a graduation slated for Thursday, Feb. 8, at Reardon High School (6 p.m.) with 47 recruits scheduled to graduate. The department anticipates a fourth class starting March 26 with approximately 54 recruits and additional H3 level hires. Deputy Chief Nicholson described completed Station 49 vacancy bidding, ongoing recruit physicals, promotional physicals, and a succession plan for the stress unit with a critical‑incident stress debriefing course planned.
Nicholson said the department is actively searching for a permanent training center and listed potential sites considered: Old McAteer High School, Pier 96 and the Cow Palace; Station 5 construction is advancing with a steel‑completion event planned, and substantial/final completion dates set for later in 2018. She also noted the department conducted background checks and random drug/alcohol tests for candidates.
Hayes White acknowledged the department’s response to a third‑alarm fire on West Portal Avenue the prior night; she said Assistant Chief Nicole Gerotovac was the incident commander and that there were no injuries though four businesses were impacted. Mayor Mark Farrell joined department staff to meet merchants and assess damage.
Commissioners thanked staff, asked for additional AWSS briefings for the public and raised follow‑up items such as further details on near‑term AWSS protections, training‑facility options and recruitment metrics.
