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SFFD reports deployments to Thomas Fire, delays at Station 16 and deputy chief announces retirement
Summary
Chief Joanne Hayes White updated the Fire Commission on deployments to the Southern California Thomas Fire, academy progress, station construction timelines and budget planning. Deputy Chief Ramona Williams announced she will retire at the end of the month after 30 years with the city.
Chief Joanne Hayes White told the Fire Commission on Dec. 13 that the San Francisco Fire Department had deployed roughly 30 members and multiple engines to assist at Southern California wildfires, including strike teams to the Thomas Fire. She said most crews were doing well and that the department receives daily reports from operations leadership on assignments and well-being.
White also reviewed personnel and training updates: the 123rd recruit class is in its 12th week with 50 members and a planned Feb. 8 graduation, and an H3 level 1 EMT class is scheduled to begin Jan. 29 with an expected 36 students. She noted the department is working closely with the mayor's office and controller on upcoming budget submissions and will reconvene its internal budget committee.
Deputy Chief Ramona Williams, in an administrative report, gave a facilities update and said several station and capital projects are underway. Station 5 has progressed and Station 16 has experienced delays due to unusually heavy rain that saturated soils after demolition and limited access in a dense residential site. Assistant Deputy Chief Rivera said the department now estimates substantial completion for Station 16 in August 2018, with occupancy approximately 30 days later.
Williams also reported operational deliveries (engines in service, new battalion chief vehicles, prevention vehicles), that 137 random drug and alcohol tests in the period were negative, and that support contracts for PPE and emergency-generator maintenance were due to be awarded. In a significant personnel announcement, Williams said Dec. 13 would be her final Fire Commission meeting; she will retire at the end of the month after roughly 30 years of city service.
Commissioners asked for continued updates on construction timelines, the ADF/EMS rebuild project (reported at 100% design and slated to break ground in summer 2018 with an Aug. 2020 opening target) and for timely notice of public meetings on new facilities such as the proposed fire-boat station. The commission also took a moment to acknowledge the sudden passing of Mayor Ed Lee and asked the meeting be adjourned in his memory.
