Chief reports improved EMS response times, upcoming academy graduations and capital needs

At the April 12 Fire Commission meeting Chief Joanne Hayes White and Deputy Chief Mark Gonzalez delivered the department's operations and EMS report, highlighting staffing, training, recent incident responses and capital priorities.

Hayes White announced the imminent graduation of the 121st (referred to in the report as "120 first") academy: 49 recruits are scheduled to graduate Friday at 10 a.m. at Archbishop Riordan High School auditorium, with the next academy (the 122nd/"120 second") starting April 24 with 54 members. She said the department continues to promote to address retirements and noted 22 acting appointments and seven permanent lieutenant appointments since the last meeting.

Deputy Chief Gonzalez summarized March operations: 13 working fires including a second alarm at 39 Waverly Place (occupant transported; cause under investigation), multiple rescues and a big‑rig rollover with minor injuries. He reported EMS performance metrics: Code 3 transport units reach scene within the 90th percentile under 10 minutes and ALS units average under 7 minutes. Gonzalez also detailed plan‑check work on major projects (Warriors arena site plans approved; Park Merced, Moscone, Central Subway under review) and said the department had no objection to SFMTA's revised buffered bike lane proposal for Turk Street after considering aerial operations and member safety.

On personnel policy, Hayes White and commissioners discussed minimum‑qualification proposals for the H23 promotion/lieutenant exam. The department and employee groups are negotiating whether to retain a 5‑year minimum or allow members with 3–4 years to take the exam and defer promotion until five years of service; Hayes White said the department is in discussions with the Department of Human Resources and hopes for resolution by the next meeting.