SFFD chief reports two recent line-of-duty deaths, FEMA grant award and active academy enrollments

Chief Joanne Hayes White opened her report on Sept. 13 by acknowledging the department’s grief following the recent deaths of two active members and asked the Commission to keep their families in mind. "We are grieving because of the losses of 2 of our active members," Chief Hayes White said, and later asked commissioners to adjourn the meeting in memory of Battalion Chief Terry Smurdell.

On department operations and personnel, Chief Hayes White reported graduation milestones and academy schedules: 43 members completed the 120-2 Academy and the 120-3 class was expected to start with 42 members shortly thereafter. She also said the department expects to begin planning for a 120-4 academy in early 2018.

On finance and programs, the chief said the department was awarded a FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety grant of $215,380 to support a juvenile fire-setters program. "This will go for resources, to support a juvenile fire setters program," she told the Commission, outlining that funds will cover one position plus materials and supplies to formalize the unit's structure and coordination with police and the district attorney’s offices.

The chief also summarized recent deployments: a strike team of 22 members plus OES personnel was sent to the Helena fire in Trinity County and three canine handlers were deployed to assist with Hurricane Irma response. She thanked members for returning safely from those mutual-aid deployments.

Commissioners asked follow-up questions about the grant’s intended uses and where funding had come from previously for juvenile fire-setters work; Mark Corso (finance and planning) said prior staffing and unit resources had supported the program and that the FEMA award would formalize additional resources.

The chief closed noting upcoming ceremonial events, support for stress-unit programming and operational coordination with other city agencies.